Justin Welby,the most senior bishop in theChurch of England,said the Queen was “fully entitled” to have been accompanied by Andrew at the memorial service for her husband Prince Philip in March.
In comments to ITV News,Welby said:“Forgiveness really does matter. I think we have become a very,very unforgiving society.
“There’s a difference between consequences and forgiveness. I think for all of us,one of the ways that we celebrate when we come together is in learning to be a more open and forgiving society.
“Now,with Prince Andrew,I think we all have to step back a bit. He’s seeking to make amends and I think that’s a very good thing.
“You can’t tell people how to respond about this and the issues of the past in the area of abuse are so intensely personal and private for so many people,it’s not surprising there’s very deep feelings indeed.”
Welby also discussed the divide emerging between the elder Prince William and Prince Harry,who has distanced himself from the royal family by moving to the US with his wife Megan: