Ministers' support ebbs for Duke of York
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Prince Andrew appeared to be losing the confidence of the Government in his role as trade ambassador, as reports emerged yesterday of ministers – including the Business Secretary Vince Cable – refusing to give him their backing.
The Duke of York's position has been called into question because of his friendship with an American businessman who is a convicted paedophile. The billionaire US financier Jeffrey Epstein was sentenced to 18 months in prison in 2008 for soliciting a minor for prostitution.
Earlier yesterday, the Foreign Secretary William Hague told BBC News he had "full confidence" in the Prince's work. "I've seen a lot of benefits that he has brought in countries that I have visited, where he's been performing that role," Mr Hague said. The Duke's private secretary, Alastair Watson, wrote to The Times on Saturday to say the "insinuations and innuendos that have been made in relation to the Duke are without foundation".
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments