Hague support for Prince Andrew

Foreign Secretary William Hague expressed confidence in the Duke of York yesterday, despite criticism of his links to controversial figures.

Mr Hague said Prince Andrew had done "a lot of good" for Britain around the world in his unpaid role as a government trade envoy.

The backing came despite reports of disquiet in the Cabinet over allegations about the royal's connections with US billionaire Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.

Prince Andrew has also faced criticism for entertaining the son-in-law of ousted Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali at Buckingham Palace.