Amanda Thirsk

Amanda Thirsk: Biography

Amanda Thirsk is a British businesswoman who has served in various capacities in the royal sphere. Born in 1960, Thirsk studied at the University of Birmingham before beginning her career in the private sector, where she worked in marketing and public relations. In 2001, she joined the Royal Household as a press officer, eventually rising to become the Director of Corporate Affairs for Prince Andrew, Duke of York.

Thirsk played a significant role in the Prince's various charitable endeavors and was instrumental in the development of the Duke of York Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award (iDEA), an initiative aimed at helping young people develop digital and entrepreneurial skills. However, her association with the Duke of York has come under scrutiny in recent times due to the Prince's involvement with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In November 2019, it was announced that Thirsk had agreed to step down from her role in the wake of intense media scrutiny and criticism.

Amanda Thirsk: Controversy

Thirsk's association with Prince Andrew has come under increasing scrutiny in recent times due to his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender who took his own life in jail in August 2019. Thirsk was reportedly present at a meeting in 2010 where Prince Andrew was introduced to Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who claims she was forced to have sex with the Prince on three occasions when she was underage. Thirsk has denied any knowledge of the situation but has faced calls for her resignation due to her close association with the Duke of York.

The controversy surrounding Prince Andrew and his alleged involvement with Epstein has prompted Thirsk to step down from her role as Director of Corporate Affairs for the Duke. Although she has denied any wrongdoing, her involvement in the various allegations against the Prince has left her reputation somewhat tarnished, and her future in the royal sphere remains uncertain.