Prince Andrew looks stressed and much thinner during his first royal engagement since taking a break from his duties.

Last week, the Duke of York made an appearance at a ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Bruges. During the outing, a Sky News journalist ambushed the dad of two with a question related to Jeffrey Epstein’s scandal.

“Prince Andrew, will you cooperate with lawyers in America?” the journalist asked. However, Prince Andrew didn’t say anything even though it was evident that he actually heard the question.

A photo of Prince Andrew from his recent outing was also published online by Express. In the snap, it is evident that Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s third child has lost a considerable amount of weight.

And the once handsome “playboy prince” also looks stressed. Prince Andrew’s eyebags are also quite bigger than before. Sarah Ferguson’s ex-husband must be stressing over the possibility of being interviewed regarding Epstein.

The convicted sexual assault offender hanged himself inside his cell while awaiting trial for his case. Shortly after his death, Prince Andrew denied his connection with Epstein’s case. But according to experts, Prince Andrew still needs to respond to some questions.

Last month, Prince Andrew also released a statement regarding Epstein’s case. He said that he didn’t’ also notice any sort of questionable behavior from his late friend.

“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. At no stage during the limited time I spent with him did I see, witness or suspect any behavior of the sort that subsequently led to his arrest and conviction…" he said.

"I have said previously that it was a mistake and an error to see him after his release [from prison] 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,” he said.

Prince Andrew said he was 'appalled' by allegations of sexual abuse surrounding Jeffrey Epstein after a video was released purporting to show him at the home of the convicted paedophile in 2010
Prince Andrew said he was 'appalled' by allegations of sexual abuse surrounding Jeffrey Epstein after a video was released purporting to show him at the home of the convicted paedophile in 2010 AFP / Andrew Cowie