LONDON, Nov 19 (Reuters) - A scheme for entrepreneurs founded by Prince Andrew has taken down the logos of its corporate sponsors from its website, as firms and charities distance themselves from the British royal over a sex scandal.

Andrew, Queen Elizabeth s second son, denies an allegation that he had sex with a 17-year-old girl procured for him by his friend Jeffrey Epstein , who killed himself in a U.S. prison in August while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

The scandal has escalated since Andrews rambling denials and explanations in a disastrous TV interview aired on Saturday left many viewers incredulous, and his apparent lack of compassion for Epsteins victims drew widespread condemnation.

The supporters page on the website of Andrews Pitch@Palace program, which is intended as a platform to boost the work of entrepreneurs, was no longer available on Tuesday.