Several of Prince Andrew's public engagements in Northern Ireland have been cancelled, as a direct result of recent publicity about his relationship with the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Sky News understands that organisers withdrew their invitations, with one expressing concerns that his presence would "change the narrative" surrounding their event.
One of the events would have involved a ceremony at Portrush railway station which has just had a £5m upgrade. The other venues have not been confirmed by government officials for security reasons. The decision to cancel was taken by the hosts, rather than the Royal Household.
The prince is still due to spend several days on the North Antrim coast, attending a youth golf tournament which bears his name. The annual Duke Of York Young Champions Trophy is being staged at Royal Portrush Golf Club.
Prince Andrew is a patron of the club, and in July he attended The 148th Open Golf Championship which returned to Portrush after an absence of 68 years.
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The Young Champions Trophy is an international competition featuring boys and girls under the age of 18, from 38 countries. The competition's website boasts that future stars of the game including Rory McIlory have competed in the event since it was founded in 2001.
Sky News understands that Royal Portrush's committee have been warned that it would be inappropriate for the prince to attend next week's event in light of the recent publicity.
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But Royal Portrush will not withdraw the invitation given he is both a member and patron of the club, and it is waiting to hear whether he will press ahead with his visit.
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Jeffrey Epstein was facing federal sex trafficking charges relating to the alleged abuse of underage girls, and had previously been convicted of child sex offences. He Read More – Source
