Ghislaine Maxwell would never disclose information about the Duke of York in the case surrounding paedophile Jeffrey Epstein , her friend has claimed.

Former investment banker Laura Goldman said the British socialite regarded Prince Andrew as a friend and was never going to say anything about him to investigators.

It comes as Maxwell appeared in court in the US on Thursday accused of helping disgraced financier Epstein identify, befriend and groom multiple girls, including one as young as 14.

The duke, who is a former friend of Epstein, has since been urged to provide information to the investigation by a US attorney.