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Backlash Over Prince Andrew Interview Sparks 'Palace Intrigue'

Jamie Dettmer

   LONDON - Businesses and charities are starting to sever their ties with
   Britain's beleaguered Prince Andrew, also known as the Duke of York,
   and reputedly the favorite son of Queen Elizabeth, following what's
   been described as a "train wreck" of an interview in which he defended
   his friendship with the late American billionaire and convicted sex
   offender Jeffrey Epstein.

   The abandonment by businesses of the prince deepens a crisis now
   engulfing Britain's royal family, weakening not only his standing but
   risking serious damage to the royal household and prompting questions
   about whether the 93-year-old queen has lost her grip and is no longer
   up to the task of managing the often fractious and scandal-prone
   family.

   One of the world's leading accountancy films, KPMG, has pulled its
   sponsorship of the 59-year-old prince's flagship charity, Pitch@Palace.
   And others say they are set to follow, including the pharmaceutical
   giant AstraZeneca, in a growing backlash that shows no sign of abating
   and is isolating him.

   Negative public reaction

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