Despite theshocking announcement that her son Prince Andrewis “stepping back from public duties,”Queen Elizabethwas back to royal business as usual on Tuesday evening with a solo appearance in London.
The Queen, 93, was all smiles in a light pink ensemble with a diamond brooch as she arrived at the Royal institute of International Affairs in London to present an award to Sir David Attenborough and Julian Hector, head of the BBC Natural History Unit, for their work on theBlue Planet IIseries.
Just moments before her outing, it was revealed that the Queen gave permission for her son, the Duke of York, to “step back from public duties for the foreseeable future” in the aftermath of hisexplosive BBC interviewabout his ties to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Queen Elizabeth.Eddie Mulholland - WPA Pool/Getty
Eddie Mulholland - WPA Pool/Getty
“It has become clear to me over the last few days that the circumstances relating to my former association with Jeffrey Epstein has become a major disruption to my family’s work and the valuable work going on in the many organisations and charities that I am proud to support,” Prince Andrew said in a statement.
“Therefore, I have asked Her Majesty if I may step back from public duties for the foreseeable future, and she has given her permission.”
Prince Andrew.Chris Jackson/- WPA Pool/Getty
“I continue to unequivocally regret my ill-judged association with Jeffrey Epstein. His suicide has left many unanswered questions, particularly for his victims, and I deeply sympathise with everyone who has been affected and wants some form of closure. I can only hope that, in time, they will be able to rebuild their lives. Of course, I am willing to help any appropriate law enforcement agency with their investigations, if required.”
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Prince Andrew initially believed that hiscontroversial interview went “quite well.”On Sunday, Andrew, 59, accompanied his motherQueen Elizabeth, 93, to church at Windsor and is reported to have told her that he thought the interview was a success. Buckingham Palace won’t confirm conversations between members of the family, but say that she was “aware” of the interview.
Wednesday also marks the Queen andPrince Philip’s72nd wedding anniversary. While the Queen takes on her work duties in London,Prince Philip, who retired from royal life in 2017, is spending the day at Sandringham. Severalroyal family members took to social mediato share their congratulations.
In a speech at during her appearance at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, the Queen said: “Sir David, this award recognizes your many talents and one can’t help but feel that, for those of us of a certain generation, we can take great pleasure in proving age is no barrier to being a positive influence.”
Queen Elizabeth presents the Chatham House Prize 2019 to Sir David Attenborough and Julian Hector.Eddie Mulholland - WPA Pool/Getty
“Your ability to communicate the beauty and vulnerability of our natural environment remains unequalled as you – and your team – have engaged and enthused many people, young and old, to appreciate and preserve our world’s oceans. For that we should all be thankful.
“I congratulate you and all involved in this endeavor.”
source: people.com
