'Contrite' duke concedes foolishness

The Duke of York has admitted he was a "fool" to befriend Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.

Prince Andrew has found himself at the centre of a sex scandal over allegations he had sex on three occasions with a 17-year-old girl, supplied to him by Epstein, a US businessman.

He strongly denies the allegations but has now told friends of his deep regret at having become involved with Epstein. He also accepts that the allegations have been "deeply uncomfortable" for the royal family.

The duke previously conceded he had made "an error of judgment" over meeting Epstein in New York in 2011 following the financier's release from jail. Now he has gone much further in expressing his contrition.

A source close to the duke said: "It would be crass and disingenuous to suggest that he has been unaffected by this.

"Even though the friendship with Epstein was acknowledged as being unwise back in 2011, the duke has clearly had a long time this week for the consequences of that friendship to further sink in. He can see how foolish it was."