The Duke of York has given the FBI “zero co-operation” following its requests for an interview about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, it was claimed on Monday night.

Geoffrey Berman, a US attorney, said federal prosecutors and the FBI had asked to interview the Duke about the late paedophile billionaire, but had been met with a wall of silence despite the Duke previously saying he would talk to investigators if required.

“The Southern District of New York and the FBI have contacted Prince Andrew’s attorneys and requested to interview him, and to date he has provided zero co-operation,” he said.

It was reported that the FBI had been trying to speak to the Duke since last November.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment.

A source said the issue was being dealt with by the Duke’s legal team.