Prince Andrew 'too attractive' to need a sex slave, says ex

One of Prince Andrew's ex-girlfriends has claimed the royal was "too attractive" for a sex slave, as the embattled Duke fights allegations of raping an underage girl.

Actress Koo Stark, who dated Prince Andrew in the 1980s, has rarely spoken about their relationship but told the Mail On Sunday she had felt compelled to come forward to defend the man.

Prince Andrew has been accused of raping Virginia Roberts, who claims to have been used as a sex slave by wealthy convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Ms Roberts has said Epstein would "loan" her services to powerful friends, including Prince Andrew.

Ms Stark has accused Ms Roberts of involving the Duke of York in her claims to draw further attention to her legal battle with Epstein.

She said the "tender, loving and caring" prince was too attractive to have any need to be "supplied" with women.

"I believe him to be a good man and I believe I can help rebut, with authority, the allegations against him," she said.

She accused Ms Roberts of "character assassination".

Prince Andrew has denied the allegations.

Ms Roberts has accused Epstein of keeping her as a sex slave between 1999 and 2002.