Queen Elizabeth II was pictured carrying on with her professional duties just hours after Prince Andrew announced he was stepping down from his duties.
WATCH: Prince Andrew denies knowing that Jeffrey Epstein was a paedophile
Her Majesty presented the 2019 Chatham House Prize to British broadcaster David Attenborough in London, reports the Mirror.
The Chatham House Prize is “presented to the person, persons or organization deemed by members of Chatham House to have made the most significant contribution to the improvement of international relations in the previous year,” according to the Chatham House website.
Attenborough was also awarded the BBC Studios Natural History Unit for his BBC nature series, Blue Planet II. The series raised awareness about the danger of plastic pollution in oceans. The series achieve the highest viewing figures on British television in 2017 and scored high ratings in many countries after being sold to broadcasters around the world.
“Plastic pollution is one of the gravest challenges facing the world’s oceans, and undoubtedly an international issue,” said Robin Niblett, director of Chatham House, in a statement. “Blue Planet II spurred a passionate global response and clear behavioural and policy change.”
Earlier, the Duke of York stated he was stepping back from public duties for the “foreseeable future,” in the wake of his interview about his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The announcement comes on the 72nd wedding anniversary of the Queen and Prince Philip.
The statement said: “It has become clear to me over the last few days that the circumstances relating to my former association with Jeffrey Epstein has become a major disruption to my family’s work and the valuable work going on in the many organisations and charities that I am proud to support.
“Therefore, I have asked Her Majesty if I may step back from public duties for the foreseeable future, and she has given her permission.
“I continue to unequivocally regret my ill-judged association with Jeffrey Epstein. His suicide has left many unanswered questions, particularly for his victims, and I deeply sympathise with everyone who has been affected and wants some form of closure.
“I can only hope that, in time, they will be able to rebuild their lives. Of course, I am willing to help any appropriate law enforcement agency with their investigations, if required.”
With the Duke of York facing a huge wave of backlash for the controversial interview, it’s no surprise he has taken a step back from his duties. The Queen appears to be carrying on as usual.
More on this as it develops.
