The Archbishop of Canterbury has suggested that Prince Andrew is “seeking to make amends” as he urged the nation to be more forgiving.
The Duke of York settled an out-of-court settlement with Virginia Giuffre in April, following sexual abuse allegations made against him.
And while many people have slammed Andrew, Justin Welby believes that people should “step back a bit”.
Justin Welby and Prince Andrew
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Mr Welby said: “Forgiveness really does matter. I think we have become a very, very unforgiving society. There’s a difference between consequences and forgiveness.
“I think for all of us, one of the ways that we celebrate when we come together is in learning to be a more open and forgiving society.
“Now with Prince Andrew, I think we all have to step back a bit. He’s seeking to make amends and I think that’s a very good thing.
“But you can’t tell people how they’re to respond about this. And the issues of the past in the area of abuse are so intensely personal and private for so many people.
“It’s not surprising. There’s very deep feelings, indeed,” he told ITV.
His comments come after Andrew was snubbed from the royal balcony ahead of this weekend’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Her Majesty has opted to limit the Platinum Jubilee Trooping the Colour balcony appearance to working members of her family.
The monarch’s decision to only include royals carrying out official public duties was taken “after careful consideration”, Buckingham Palace said.
As a result, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have also missed out on a spot on the balcony.
Prince Andrew will not appear on the royal balcony during Trooping the Colour
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