Prince Andrew speaks publicly for the first time about his relationship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein

Prince Andrew has spoken out for the first time on his controversial friendship with disgraced late paedophile, Jeffrey Epstein.

The Queen of England’s second son was interviewed by Newsnight’s Emily Maitlis at Buckingham Palace and the show: “Prince Andrew & the Epstein Scandal” will be broadcast on BBC 2 at 9pm on Saturday.

The BBC has not released any footage yet but Ms Maitlis said today it was a “no holds barred interview” with “no questions vetted” by Andrew or palace officials.

It is the first time the duke has been questioned on his friendship with the American sexual abuser who was found dead in his New York prison cell three months ago while awaiting trial for sex-trafficking.

Since Epstein was found dead in his cell, questions have been raised about whether Epstein’s death was suicide as it seems or murder.

The Duke of York will also be confronted with allegations made by Epstein’s “sex slave” Virginia Roberts that she was flown to London on Epstein’s private jet for sex with Prince Andrew.

Victoria Roberts Giuffre, now 36, appeared on American television this summer repeating her allegations against the Duke of York. She alleges she was coerced by paedophile US businessman Jeffrey Epstein, a friend of the Duke, into having sex with Andrew on three occasions, in London, New York and the US Virgin Islands. She claimed in court documents that on the final occasion she also had “sex with Andy… in an orgy” involving nine young women.

Miss Giuffre said that Andrew was a “participant”, adding that even though the duke may deny it “he knows the truth and I know the truth”.

Andrew has “vehemently denied” claims he slept with Virginia three times – including once during an orgy with nine women on Epstein’s private “paedo island” in the US Virgin Islands.

The other times he reacted to the allegations, the Prince did so only in pre-prepared statements released by Buckingham Palace’s press office, never in a TV interview.

Some critics said today that instead of talking to the BBC, Prince Andrew should be helping the police with their inquiries into Epstein’s crimes.