Northern Ireland

Royal Portrush Golf Club 'to monitor' Jeffrey Epstein investigation as Prince Andrew remains patron

Royal Portrush Golf Club has said it will discuss the decision of its patron Prince Andrew to step aside from public duties at its next meeting.

The host of this year's Open Championship said there were no scheduled plans for Andrew to return to the club.

Charities and organisations associated with the prince have been distancing themselves from him following his weekend interview with BBC 2's Newsnight.

In the hour-long programme, Prince Andrew addressed questions over his relationship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and allegations made by a woman that she was forced to have sex with the royal on three occasions.

A Royal Portrush statement said: "The allegations surrounding Prince Andrew, and especially the trauma and distress suffered by the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, is a matter of deep regret."

Prince Andrew was pictured at Royal Portrush Golf Club in September as he attended The Duke of York Young Champions Trophy. Solicitor Paul Tweed was also present. Picture by Press Association 
Prince Andrew was pictured at Royal Portrush Golf Club in September as he attended The Duke of York Young Champions Trophy. Solicitor Paul Tweed was also present. Picture by Press Association  Prince Andrew was pictured at Royal Portrush Golf Club in September as he attended The Duke of York Young Champions Trophy. Solicitor Paul Tweed was also present. Picture by Press Association 

"Royal Portrush will continue to monitor the ongoing investigative process. There are no scheduled plans for him to return to the club.

"The council of Royal Portrush is acutely aware of the widespread public concern about these allegations and Prince Andrew's decision to step away from public duties will be discussed at our next meeting."