The Duke of York has left his post as chancellor of the University of Huddersfield, following his decision to step back from royal duties.

The prince, who started his five-year term as chancellor in 2015, took the decision amid continuing criticism of his friendship with the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Huddersfield Students¡¯ Union had called on 20 November for the duke to step down as chancellor?after a BBC interview in which he denied any sexual contact with a woman who says she was forced to have sex with him at the age of 17.

He was widely criticised for failing to express sympathy for Epstein¡¯s victim and saying that he did not regret the friendship.

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Huddersfield said that ¡°due to the circumstances and in discussion with the university¡±, the duke had ¡°decided to step down immediately to allow the university to appoint a successor¡±.

The university had previously defended its association with the royal, referring to his denial of wrongdoing and describing his ¡°enthusiasm for innovation and entrepreneurship¡± as ¡°a natural fit with the work of the university¡±.

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The students¡¯ union motion had said that Huddersfield ¡°should not be represented by a man with ties to organised child sexual exploitation and assault¡±.

In its latest statement, Huddersfield said that it ¡°would like to thank the duke for his work during his period as chancellor¡±.

¡°The duke has informed the university that ¡®he continues to unequivocally condemn Jeffrey Epstein¡¯s activities and regrets his ill-judged association with him.?His suicide has left many unanswered questions, particularly for his victims, and he deeply sympathises with everyone who has been affected and wants some form of closure.¡¯ The university would also like to express [its] deep sympathy to all of those victims and families that have been affected and [it does] hope that they are getting the support they need,¡± the statement said.

Huddersfield Students¡¯ Union said that it ¡°look[ed] forward to welcoming a new chancellor who puts students¡¯ values at the heart of everything they do¡±.

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¡°We know that students will welcome this decision, and the students¡¯ union?would like to offer our sympathy to the victims of Epstein and all those affected by?sexual abuse across the world,¡± it said in a statement.

Huddersfield said that it aimed to appoint a new chancellor at its March 2020 council meeting, with the aim of installing the new postholder in July 2020. The students¡¯ union would coordinate the nominations process, the university said.

chris.havergal@timeshighereducation.com