Prince Andrew - 60th birthday party is canceled

Prince Andrew is currently the Queen's biggest problem child. The Royal is heavily criticized in the United Kingdom and the United States for allegations of abuse. The birthday party is canceled.

• Prince Andrew celebrates his 60th birthday.
• Queen Elizabeth II's son is currently making negative headlines and is under criticism.
• The Royal is said to be involved in the abuse scandal involving the billionaire Jeffrey Epstein.

London / New York - "Ticktack Andy - it's time to talk !!", tweeted the American Virginia Giuffre. Her admonition went to the British Prince Andrew, whom she accuses of abusing her as a minor.

"Do the right thing - and if not for me, then for the countless other Epstein victims who have a right to the truth!" Below is a search poster with a photo of the royal and the question: "Have you seen this prince?"

Prince Andrew is said to be Queen Elizabeth II's favorite son

Andrew, who is said to be the favorite son of Queen Elizabeth II (93), is unlikely to celebrate due to the involvement in the abuse scandal surrounding Jeffrey Epstein on his 60th birthday. The Duke of York was never one of the people's favorites. Affairs and awkward behavior in the political arena, for example when he defended bank bonuses in the middle of the economic crisis, run like a thread through his life. Now its popularity has reached a - possibly provisional - low point.

For a long time, the British press ridiculed the prince who had once participated in the Falklands War because of his flirtations as "Randy Andy" (horny Andy). Andrew, who is celebrating his milestone birthday on February 19, was said to have already led the boy's attacks on the girls' dormitory at the boarding school. He later had fun with models and starlets, including US actress Koo Stark. When it became publicly known that she also played erotic scenes in films, the relationship with Andrew quickly ended.

Playboy image of Prince Andrew

With his great love, the red-haired Sarah Ferguson ("Fergie"), it initially became calmer around the prince with the Playboy image. And with the birth of the daughters Beatrice and Eugenie, happiness seemed perfect. But the fun-loving "Fergie" were said to have affairs. Eventually, she was photographed as a man sucked her toes - it wasn't Andrew, it was a financial advisor. The couple divorced ten years after the wedding. Both are still best friends and even live in a building.

"Fergie" also defends her ex-husband against the allegations of abuse. The past few months have been tough for her and her daughters. "To see what such a wonderful man has to endure ... he's the best man I know," she told Vogue Arabia magazine.

Giuffre claims that she was coerced as a minor by Epstein to have sex with the prince. Andrew rejects the allegations. After a catastrophic BBC interview, with which he actually wanted to restore his reputation, the prince put his royal duties on hold. His promotion to the Admiral is also on hold.

Particularly spicy: Andrew was still friends with Epstein when he was already a criminal record. A big mistake, as the prince now admitted. Epstein, who is said to have built an abuse ring in New York and Florida between 2002 and 2005, committed suicide in prison last summer. Andrew does not want to have heard of his machinations.

Tick ​​Tock Andy- time to talk !! The world is over the lies, the cover ups and the simple fact that privilege buys your way out of facing the music. Do the right thing, if not for me then the countless other Epstein victims who deserve the truth! #PrinceAndrew # TimesUp2020 pic.twitter.com/nQYyxuRhHk

In the United States, investigators are getting impatient. Andrew had announced in November that he wanted to help the American judiciary clear up the allegations against his former friend Epstein and possible accomplices. But apparently no action followed.

And so US Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman stepped in front of the cameras in late January and accused the Royal of not keeping his word. "To date, Prince Andrew has not worked with us," Berman said, admitting that it was unusual for him to speak out in the ongoing proceedings. In this case, it was "fair" to report the broken promise to the public. The FBI contacted Andrew's lawyers but received no response.

What exactly the investigators want to discuss with the prince is not known. It is important, however, that this is literally a questioning as a witness. So far, none of the US authorities have officially accused the prince of misconduct. Andrew's name does not appear in the indictment against Epstein. After Epstein's suicide, the New York prosecutors had repeatedly announced that the investigation would continue. It cannot be ruled out that new charges will arise from this. And Andrew's dubious behavior should raise suspicions that he may be more than just a witness.

Prince Andrew disappeared from the scene after Christmas service

While the Queen was initially demonstratively beaming with Andrew * when she went to church, he now seems to have disappeared from the face of the earth. Will he ever be a full-time royal again? Unlikely. His older brother, heir to the throne Prince Charles (71), is reported to be planning to modernize the royal family after the death of the Queen. The "company", as the Royals call themselves, should become leaner.

There won't be a big official party for Andrew's 60th birthday. Only the bells of Westminster Abbey in London are to ring in his honor. He will probably be seen in public at the end of May when his daughter Beatrice marries an Italian businessman. But the wedding ceremony is relatively small and is not broadcast on television. Buckingham Palace refuses to comment on Andrew's plans: "This is a private matter."

dpa