Britain's Prince Andrew has issued a statement in relation to Jeffrey Epstein saying "at no stage during the limited time I spent with" him "did I see, witness or suspect any behaviour of the sort that subsequently led to his arrest and conviction".
Disgraced US financier Epstein, 66, was found dead in his prison cell earlier this month while awaiting trial on federal charges he trafficked underage girls for sex.
He had been charged with one count of sex trafficking of minors and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors.
Prosecutors said Epstein sexually exploited dozens of underage teens, some as young as 14, at his homes in Manhattan and Palm Beach, Florida, between 2002 and 2005.
The young women were paid hundreds of dollars in cash to massage him, perform sexual acts and to recruit other girls, prosecutors alleged.
He faced up to 45 years in prison if convicted but denied the charges.
Epstein's friends included US President Donald Trump, former US president Bill Clinton and Prince Andrew.
Those men have all denied knowing anything about Epstein's alleged crimes.
Epstein had been convicted in 2008 in a Florida state court of paying young girls for sexual massages at his Palm Beach mansion.
In his statement today, Prince Andrew said: "It is apparent to me since the suicide of Mr Epstein that there has been an immense amount of media speculation about so much in his life. This is particularly the case in relation to my former association or friendship with Mr Epstein.
"Therefore I am eager to clarify the facts to avoid further speculation.
"I met Mr Epstein in 1999. During the time I knew him, I saw him infrequently and probably no more than only once or twice a year. I have stayed in a number of his residences.
"At no stage during the limited time I spent with him did I see, witness or suspect any behaviour of the sort that subsequently led to his arrest and conviction.
"I have said previously that it was a mistake and an error to see him after his release in 2010 and I can only reiterate my regret that I was mistaken to think that what I thought I knew of him was evidently not the real person, given what we now know. I have tremendous sympathy for all those affected by his actions and behaviour.
"His suicide has left many unanswered questions and I acknowledge and sympathise with everyone who has been affected and wants some form of closure.
"This is a difficult time for everyone involved and I am at a loss to be able to understand or explain Mr Epstein's lifestyle. I deplore the exploitation of any human being and would not condone, participate in, or encourage any such behaviour."
