Prince Andrew working on amends following sexual abuse allegations
Prince Andrew is reportedly working on making amends following allegations he sexually abused a teenager.
The Duke of York, 62, was accused by Virginia Giuffre, 38, of sexually assaulting her on three occasions when she was 17 at Ghislaine Maxwell's home in London, in Epstein's mansion in New York and on Epstein's private island in the US Virgin Islands.
The pair reached an out-of-court settlement of £12 million with Prince Andrew now looking to make amends according to the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby.
The Archbishop said society has become “very unforgiving” and that we should take a step back and see that the Duke of York is looking to make improvements.
“Forgiveness really does matter. I think we have become a very, very unforgiving society. There's a difference between consequences and forgiveness,” Reverend Justin said in an interview on ITV.
“I think for all of us, one of the ways that we celebrate when we come together is in learning to be a more open and forgiving society.
“Now with Prince Andrew, I think we all have to step back a bit. He's seeking to make amends and I think that's a very good thing.
“But you can't tell people how they're supposed to respond about this. And the issues of the past in the area of abuse are so intensely personal and private for so many people.
“It's not surprising. There's very deep feelings, indeed.”
The Archbishop also defended the Queen’s decision to walk with Prince Andrew at Prince Philip’s memorial service in March, saying she was “fully entitled” to do so.
He however received backlash for his comments, forcing him to backtrack and release a statement clarifying what he meant about consequences and forgiveness.
“I was asked a question about forgiveness, and I said that there is a difference between consequences and forgiveness,” the statement read.
“Both are essential elements of the Christian understanding of justice, mercy and reconciliation.
“I also made the broader point that I hope we can become a more forgiving society. These are complex issues that are difficult to address in a short media interview and I hope they do not distract from this week's joyful celebration of Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee.”
Image: Getty