Prince faces calls to speak to Epstein probe

Prince Andrew said he was cancelling public engagements because of the backlash. Photo: AP

Prince Andrew was urged on Thursday to speak to lawyers representing victims of paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after the royal announced he was quitting public life because of the scandal.



Queen Elizabeth II's second son, 59, has faced days of outrage since a television interview in which he defended his friendship with the disgraced US financier.



Andrew denies claims he had sex with a 17-year-old girl procured by Epstein, who was found dead in a New York prison in August while awaiting charges of trafficking minors.



As a growing number of organisations distanced themselves from the royal and his pet projects, he said he was cancelling public engagements because of the backlash.



He said he was "willing to help any appropriate law enforcement agency with their investigations, if required".



US lawyer Lisa Bloom, who represents five women allegedly assaulted by Epstein, told the BBC the royal should speak to everyone probing the allegations – including her.



"All of the staff who work for Prince Andrew should come and give information and evidence and the documents should be turned over – emails, texts, calendars, phone logs, travel logs – so we can get to the bottom of this," she said.



She did not rule out approaching the prince directly to secure a sworn statement.



Later, lawyer Gloria Allred, who also represents alleged victims and is Bloom's mother, urged Andrew to speak to investigators "without delay". (AFP)