Sarah Ferguson, also known as Fergie, insisted Prince Andrew has gone through “enormous pain” because of the rumours about his connection to convicted sex abuser Jeffrey Epstein. The Duke of York opened up about their relationship in an unprecedented interview with BBC Newsnight last month which ignited criticism rather than dissipate it. But Fergie herself came under fire for an apparent lack of sympathy for the Epstein’s victims in her latest interview in Vogue Arabia.

Jeremy Vine panellist Dawn Neesom took particular issue with the Duchess of York, branding her as “appalling” for her comments.

Ms Neesom said: “She suggests we should dismiss this as nothing.

“I think that’s appalling, that was the most annoying of this rather than the Meghan thing.”

In the interview, Fergie also admitted to feeling “desperately sorry” for Meghan Markle as she claimed to have undergone the same level of scrutiny the Duchess of Sussex has faced since joining the Royal Family.

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Ms Neesom’s incendiary commentary was later echoed by fellow Vine panellists, and royal expert, Dan Wootton: “It’s an extraordinary interview because you have the victims of Jeffrey Epstein and she does not acknowledge them.

“But she acknowledges the terrible time Prince Andrew has had.”

Prince Andrew admitted to regretting keeping in touch with Epstein following his 13-month stint in prison on procurement charges as well as procurement of minors.

The Duke of York however categorically rejected any allegation of direct involvement with Epstein’s victims, including Virginia Roberts-Giuffre – who claimed to have had a sexual encounter with Prince Andrew.

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In her interview with Vogue, Fergie said the past few months have been “incredibly difficult” for her and her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, as well as the Duke of York.

The Duchess of York said: “When I talk about Prince Andrew, I talk about family because the last six months have been hard on the girls and me.

“To see such a wonderful man go through such enormous pain. He is the best man I know.

“It’s just incredible what he has done for Britain, and it’s all nonsense.”

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She added: “So I talk about familyhood, and I’m very strong about it and I’m very strong about it.

“The mental health of men is important and I think it is vital to articulate that more.”

The scandal surrounding the prince’s association with the disgraced billionaire and convicted sex offender resulted in his royal downfall.

Following the BBC Newsnight interview, Prince Andrew announced he would step down “for the foreseeable future” after several charities withdrew from his patronage.

The fallout of the interview is believed to also have had a significant impact on Princess Beatrice, Prince Andrew and Fergie’s eldest daughter.

The 31-year-old announced her engagement to entrepreneur Edoardo Mapelli-Mozzi in September but was reported to have been forced to cancel her engagement party earlier this month to avoid a media storm.

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