Prince William distances himself from Andrew

Britain's Prince William is reportedly furious that Prince Andrew's friendship with disgraced businessman Jeffrey Epstein is threatening to overshadow his wedding.

The second-in-line to the British throne - who will marry Kate Middleton in Westminster Abbey on April 29 - has met with his advisors who wish to ensure he or Kate do not attend any events with the Duke of York before their big day.

A source told Britain's Daily Mirror: ¬"William's advisers are furious - they feel the scandal has become a huge distraction from the wedding. A huge amount of work has gone into planning the ¬wedding which was a chance to relaunch the monarchy on the world stage. The duke's problems have jeopardised that - the air of corruption is ¬reminiscent of the scandals that have dogged the Windsors in the past.

"There is not much sympathy for him in William's camp ¬because he sparked the whole thing by allowing himself to be photographed with Epstein - a paedophile - a massive error of ¬judgement. Keeping William away from Andrew before the wedding is the least they can do to prevent the 'Kate and William brand' from being contaminated by the duke."

However, while concern has been growing about Prince Andrew - Queen Elizabeth's second son - after he was linked to a number of reportedly questionable businessmen, including US billionaire Epstein - who has previously been in prison for soliciting an underage girl for prostitution - there is no question of him not attending the royal wedding.

The source added: "Andrew will, of course, be at the wedding. But no one will be allowed to take the spotlight away from the happy couple."