Prince Andrew settles out of court and pays Virginia Giuffre ‘undisclosed sum’
It means Prince Andrew will no longer face trial in open court.
Prince Andrew has reached an out-of-court settlement with accuser Virginia Giuffre to avoid going to trial.
The Duke of York faced a public hearing this autumn over allegations he sexually abused the American woman three times when she was just 17, and while she was the victim of a trafficking ring orchestrated by billionaire paedophile Jeffry Epstein and his girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell.
The Duke has always strenuously denied the accusations.
Under civil law, agreeing to settle a case does not amount to an admission of guilt.
In a letter submitted to the United States District Court on Tuesday, Ms Giuffre’s lawyer David Boies wrote jointly with Andrew’s lawyers to say that the parties had ‘reached a settlement in principle’.
The letter indicated the amount of the settlement will not be disclosed.
Court documents show the duke will make a ‘substantial donation to Ms Giuffre’s charity in support of victims’ rights’.
Andrew has also pledged to ‘demonstrate his regret for his association with Epstein’ by supporting the ‘fight against the evils of sex trafficking, and by supporting its victims’.
A statement filed to the court said: ‘Virginia Giuffre and Prince Andrew have reached an out of court settlement.
‘The parties will file a stipulated dismissal upon Ms Giuffre’s receipt of the settlement (the sum of which is not being disclosed).
‘Prince Andrew intends to make a substantial donation to Ms Giuffre’s charity in support of victims rights.
‘Prince Andrew has never intended to malign Ms Giuffre’s character, and he accepts that she has suffered both as an established victim of abuse and as a result of unfair public attacks.
‘It is known that Jeffrey Epstein trafficked countless young girls over many years.
‘Prince Andrew regrets his association with Epstein, and commends the bravery of Ms Giuffre and other survivors in standing up for themselves and others.
‘He pledges to demonstrate his regret for his association with Epstein by supporting the fight against the evils of sex trafficking, and by supporting its victims.’
In January, the duke’s lawyers submitted 11 reasons why the case against him should be dismissed, saying he demanded a trial by jury to prove his innocence.
Mr Boies, said his client and legal team were looking forward to ‘confronting’ the royal about his ‘denials’.
Representatives for Andrew said he would not be expanding beyond the statement filed in court.
When asked for further comment, Virginia Giuffre’s lawyer Mr Boies said: ‘I believe this event speaks for itself.’
The news will come as a huge relief to the royal family, who feared the scandal would overshadow the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Andrew faced having to testify in open court this autumn after attempts to get the case against him thrown out failed.
The senior royal’s legal team had questioned the legality of the case after the terms of a previous settlement with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein came to light.
But that appeal was rejected in January after a fractious court hearing, paving the way for a full hearing in which Andrew would be forced to testify.
It was widely reported members of his family may also have been deposed.
Andrew has already effectively been banished from the royal family after being stripped of his royal duties last month.
Sources close to both Charles and William have said in the past there is no way back for him.
Lawyer Lisa Bloom, who represents eight victims of Jeffrey Epstein, welcomed the settlement as a ‘victory’ for Virginia Giuffre.
She wrote on Twitter: ‘My statement on behalf of the 8 Jeffrey Epstein victims I represent:
‘We hail Virginia’s victory today. She has accomplished what no one else could: getting Prince Andrew to stop his nonsense and side with sexual abuse victims. We salute Virginia’s stunning courage.’
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