Donald Trump calls Prince Andrew’s scandal ‘tragic’ for the royal family

U.S. President Donald Trump has weighed in on Prince Andrew’s latest controversy, calling it “a tragic situation” for the royal family.

According to The Spectator, Trump shared his thoughts while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, following King Charles’ decision to strip Andrew of his royal titles.

“It’s a terrible thing that’s happened to the family,” Trump said. “That’s been a tragic situation. It’s too bad. I feel badly for the family.”

The Duke of York, who was recently ordered to vacate his Royal Lodge residence after reports that he had been paying a symbolic “peppercorn” rent for nearly two decades, has faced renewed scrutiny over his ties to the late U.S. financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The controversy deepened after the release of Virginia Giuffre’s memoirs, in which she again accused Andrew of assault which he continues to deny.

The comments from Trump come as Buckingham Palace attempts to draw a line under the scandal, with Andrew now officially stripped of his royal titles and duties.