'Deeply affected' Prince Andrew fears sex scandal turning into 'soap opera'

Prince Andrew has been "deeply affected" by the impact of the "sex slave" scandal as he has seen the headlines and he's aware of all the commentaries, it has been revealed.

A royal source said that the 54-year-old Prince acknowledged in 2011 that his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, who had served a prison sentence for paedophile offences, was unwise but the extent of that poor misjudgment is much clearer now, the Daily Express reported.

The insider added that the Duke of York could fight it in the court of public opinion but it risks becoming a soap opera.

According to the source, when everyone went home for Christmas the Prince was in a great place as he was enjoying his work and the feeling behind Palace gates was very positive in that he had finally found the right role after he and his team had taken a long hard look at themselves.

The insider added that the timing of all this is very unfortunate.

Prince Andrew is said to be "recharging and planning ahead" at the home he shares with his former wife Sarah, the Duchess of York at Royal Lodge in Windsor, Berkshire.