The Duke of York has been seen for the first time since he announced he would step back from royal duties over the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.

Prince Andrew said on Wednesday he would withdraw from his official role for the “foreseeable future”.

Criticism of the prince’s ties to convicted US sex offender Epstein intensified amid a growing backlash following a BBC interview.

Lawyers for Epstein’s victims have urged the prince to speak to US police.

The prince was seen by photographers on Thursday driving out of his home in Windsor, Berkshire.

The Duke of York’s ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, who defended him as a “true and real gentleman” a day before the Newsnight interview was broadcast, was later seen being driven into the grounds of Buckingham Palace.

Meanwhile, more organisations have announced they are cutting ties with the Duke of York.

The University of Huddersfield said the prince was stepping down with immediate effect from his role as chancellor.

The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions – which represents tourist sites such as museums, galleries and historic houses across the UK – said the prince was no longer its president.

And the Outward Bound Trust – a network of outdoor education schools – said it had accepted his resignation as patron.

Companies including BT and Barclays and other institutions had already distanced themselves from the prince. Read more

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