Flags won't fly for Prince Andrew's birthday

Tuesday 18 February 2020

Public buildings in Jersey will not have to fly the Union flag for Prince Andrew’s birthday tomorrow after the scandal-hit Duke stepped back from public life following revelations about his friendship with a convicted sex offender, it has been confirmed.

The announcement from Jersey's Bailiff's Chambers came after calls not to do so from members of the public.

Senator Sam Mézec was also vocal in his opposition to the move, and wrote to the Bailiff's Chambers to urge them to reconsider.

I have written to the Bailiff’s office to express my disapproval at the idea we would fly flags to commemorate Prince Andrew’s birthday. I hope this is reconsidered, but if it is not I want to be clear that it is not done in my name.

— Senator Sam Mézec (@SamMezecJsy) February 7, 2020

This morning, the Bailiff's Chambers announced: "Following the decision by the Duke of York to step back from public duties for the foreseeable future, there is no longer a requirement for Government and Public buildings to fly the Union flag on Wednesday 19 February.

"It should be noted that a number of buildings already fly the Union flag 365 days a year and will continue to do so."

The Duke of York retired from public life days after a BBC Newsnight interview in which he defended his friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and denied allegations he had slept with Virginia Giuffre – née Roberts – who claims she had been trafficked to him when she was 17.

Prince Andrew is stepping back from royal duties for the “foreseeable future” following criticism over his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Last week, Prince Andrew told @maitlis he "let the side down" by staying with Jeffrey Epstein#Newsnight pic.twitter.com/7nKdoJB66f

— BBC Newsnight (@BBCNewsnight) November 20, 2019

During the interview, he referred to his position as trade envoy many times, suggesting that Mr Epstein’s home was a convenient location to stay while away on business in the US.

Prince Andrew is now facing calls to assist the US authorities with their investigation into alleged sex trafficking by Jeffrey Epstein.

At a news conference earlier this year, US Attorney General Geoffrey Berman accused the Duke of York of providing "zero cooperation", despite his lawyers being contacted by prosecutors and the FBI.

Pictured: Jeffrey Epstein. (New York State Sex Offender Registry/AP)

However, Prince Andrew had said during his Newsnight interview that he was "willing to help any appropriate law enforcement agency".

As concerns about the Duke of York mount, a number of organisations have said decided to review their patronages, including prestigious golf club Royal Portrush.

Express contacted the Royal Jersey Golf Club – of which Prince Andrew is also a patron – but never received a reply.

Pictured top: The Duke of York, who is celebrating his birthday this week. (PA)