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Prince Andrew has stepped down from royal duties after his interview with Emily Maitlis last month in which the Duke of York was questioned about his relationship with the convicted sex offender and his associate. Epstein victim Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who alleges that she was trafficked by the financier and was forced to have sex with the prince, and spoke to BBC Panorama last night. Andrew categorically denies the claims.

Podcast Pod Save the Queen is hosted by Ann Gripper and features the Daily Mirror’s royal editor Russell Myers. In the latest episode, Mr Myers talked about the Duke of York’s Newsnight interview, and how he had not been clear about his friendship with Ghislaine Maxwell. During the interview, Andrew spoke about the last time he saw Ms Maxwell, saying: “It was earlier this year funnily enough in the summer, in the spring, summer.” “She was here doing some rally.”

Prince Andrew; Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein

Prince Andrew spoke with the BBC's Emily Maitlis

When Ms Maitlis asked if the meeting took place after Epstein’s arrest, the Duke said: “No, no, no, no, no, no, no, this was…this was early spring.” Mr Myers said: “What was absolutely devastating for him, was when Emily Maitlis asked him when he last met Ghislaine Maxwell, who was Epstein’s former girlfriend and alleged madam. “He couldn’t remember the date, and then he was floundering, saying was it spring, or summer. When was the investigation open? It was definitely before that. “Now, that’s pretty much been proven to be a lie. READ MORE: How Queen is ‘proud’ of Beatrice and Eugenie amid Andrew scandal

Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell pictured in 2005

“There are reports that he met her weeks after the investigation had been re-opened into Epstein. “Potentially, that she had been invited to Buckingham Palace with men in suits. “The inference is that she had turned up to the Palace with a load of lawyers and they were trying to get their story straight. “These are very, very damaging allegations if they are proven to be correct.” DON'T MISS

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Ghislaine Maxwell pictured in New York in 2016

Prince Andrew stepped down from his speical envoy role in 2011 after being criticsed for his friendship wtih Epstein

Mr Myers added: “He has absolutely categorically denied everything. “But I think his reputation is just in ruins.” Ms Maxwell was widely reported to have met Prince Andrew at his private quarters in Buckingham Palace on June 6 this year. The investigation into Epstein started in February this year, when US prosecutors re-opened the case in to the sex offender and his 2007 plea deal.

However, two weeks before the Buckingham Palace meeting, in May, US prosecutors announced their intention to again pursue prosecution against Epstein. He was arrested on July 6, before his death in custody on August 10. A source told The Sun last month: “The Duke and Ghislaine met at the Palace. She brought four other people with her. “They were all smartly dressed and looked very official, very serious and business-like.

“There was no way it was a social occasion. They stayed for about two hours." They added: “Andrew’s arrogance is breathtaking. To invite a woman accused of such serious wrongdoing into the heart of the Royal Family simply beggars belief.” Although the FBI reportedly wants to talk with Ms Maxwell, it still remains unclear where in the world she is. Today, a source has told The Sun: “They have remained constantly in touch by phone and email. “The Duke has an unswerving loyalty to Ghislaine and she is also very loyal to him. “Ghislaine will do anything to protect the Duke and the feeling is mutual. “They both share the same view they have done nothing wrong.'

Prince Andrew has stepped down from royal duties but retains his miltary honours

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