Sarah Ferguson speaks about Prince Andrew in the wake of Jeffrey Epstein scandal

Sarah Ferguson has spoken about Prince Andrew in the wake of the Jeffrey Epstein saga.

Making a rare comment at an event earlier this week, Fergie confirmed she was standing by her ex-husband, who was dragged into the late New York businessman's scandal.

The Duchess of York was asked at the British Film Institute's London Film Festival preview gala how she was supporting the Duke of York, who has been in Australia this week.

"I think the most important thing in life is family hood," the 59-year-old told The Sun.

Prince Andrew has been linked to one of Epstein's accusers, Virginia Roberts, when she was just 17 years old.

However, the Royal denies all allegations against him.

Previously, Prince Andrew addressed his time with Epstein in a statement released by Buckingham Palace, calling it a "mistake and an error".

In the lengthy statement, the Duke distanced himself from Epstein and expressed his regret at having been involved with the man after his initial conviction.

Epstein came under investigation in 2005 after being accused of molesting several underage girls.

He was subsequently convicted but signed a deal that kept the case quiet, and spent 13 months in jail until his release in 2009.

Prince Andrew paid a visit to Epstein at his Manhattan Mansion shortly after in 2010, photos showing the royal just inside the door of Epstein's home as young women came and went.

Over the past few days, the Duke of York has been focused on a cause close to his heart, running a business bootcamp in Perth for his entrepreneurial series Pitch @ Palace.