Epstein questions await Prince Andrew at home as he holidays with Sarah Ferguson in Spain
The royal takes time out among Europe's wealthy elite as he faces questions over his relationship with the disgraced financier.
Friday 6 December 2019 09:24, UK
While the unanswered questions keep coming about Prince Andrew's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, the Duke of York has been taking time out among Europe's moneyed elite with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson in Sotogrande.
According to locals, the pair are regulars in this part of southern Spain and Sarah is a familiar face at the Santa Maria polo club.
Jon Clarke, who has lived here for almost two decades, says the former Duchess of York has been here 11 or 12 times and often hands out the winners' medals at the annual summer polo tournament.
We know the former couple flew into Spain last week and, as we toured the secluded lanes where some of the grandest estates are hidden in the hillsides trying to find them, it became clearer that they were still here.
We met an Argentinian woman who told us she had cooked a traditional barbecue for the pair who were guests at a private 50th birthday party on Monday night.
Earlier in their stay, staff at the exclusive Cancha Dos restaurant, which is surrounded by private polo fields, told us they ate in a specially cordoned off area, but only after the prince's security team had swept the place to make sure it was safe.
And workers at the Valderrama golf course, one of the best in the world, said the prince had been playing there.
In August, only members of the club are allowed to tee off, but even outside the summer month a round for non-members will set you back not far short of €500 (£456).
How long the duke is planning to stay here in the wealthy enclave in the sun is unclear.
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What is as clear as the glistening sea of Sotogrande is the questions about his time with Jeffrey Epstein will still be waiting when he gets home.
A Buckingham Palace statement said: "The Duke of York has been appalled by the recent reports of Jeffrey Epstein's alleged crimes.
"His Royal Highness deplores the exploitation of any human being and the suggestion he would condone, participate in or encourage any such behaviour is abhorrent."