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What did Prince Andrew say on the Lockerbie Pan Am flight 103 bombing?

PAN Am flight 103 exploded into pieces when a bomb in the forward cargo area exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland, in December 1988.

The day after the horrific incident, the Queen sent Prince Andrew to the village, but his response to the situation shocked the nation.

Prince Andrew disappointed the world with his lack of empathy towards the residents of Lockerbie after the bombing.
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Prince Andrew disappointed the world with his lack of empathy towards the residents of Lockerbie after the bombing.Credit: AFP

What did Prince Andrew say on the Lockerbie Pan Am flight 103 bombing?

In December 1988, Pan Am Flight 103 was blown up by terrorists.

The bomb tragically killed 243 passengers and 16 crew on the aircraft, as well as 11 people on the ground when a large section of the plane crashed into a residential street.

The Queen sent her son, Prince Andrew to Lockerbie, as she feared her presence would distract everyone from the disaster.

However, the Duke of York managed to deeply upset the people of Lockerbie by claiming it was "much worse for the Americans".

He added: “I suppose statistically something like this has got to happen at some stage … Of course it only affects the community in a very small way.”

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What did Prince Andrew say about his comments?

After offending the public with his response, Prince Andrew refrained from making any further comments on the situation.

In contrast, the Queen showed true solicitude and empathy towards the people of Lockerbie.

Her Majesty reportedly said to her former deputy private secretary Robert Fellowes at the time: “I wish I had gone.”

What did Prince Charles say to Jimmy Savile?

Prince Charles wrote to the now-disgraced children's entertainer,  Jimmy Savile for advice when his brother was criticised for his comments following the terrorist attack.

On January 14, 1989, he wrote: "Perhaps I am wrong, but you are the bloke who knows what's going on.

"What I really need, is a list of suggestions from you. I so want to get to parts of the country that others don't get to reach."

Savile then penned a five-page crisis management package at the request of Prince Charles, with the letters to be seen for the first time in a new Netflix documentary.

Savile responded: "There must be an 'incident room' with several independent phone lines, etc. The Queen should be informed in advance of any proposed action by Family members."

On January 27, 1989, Charles replied: "I attach a copy of my memo on disasters which incorporates your points and which I showed to my Father. He showed it to H.M. [the queen]."

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Savile and the Prince Charles met through his work for Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Bukes, during the 1980s.

There is no suggestion that the Royal Family were aware of Savile's wrongdoings during the time they asked for his help.

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