The settlement was announced on Tuesday.
Queen Elizabeth will reportedly help pay for Prince Andrew’s multi-million pound settlement with Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual assault in a civil lawsuit filed in the US.
The out-of-court settlement, which was announced on Tuesday, has brought an end to the scandalous case that cost the Prince his military titles and royal patronages.
Giuffre and the Duke of York reached a “settlement in principle” to the suit, in which Giuffre alleged she was sexually assaulted by him when she was just 17 years old after being trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein and his powerful associates in the early 2000s.
Court documents show that the disgraced royal, who has denied all allegations against him, will make a “substantial donation” to Giuffre’s charity supporting victims’ rights.
Some of the amount settled upon will reportedly be paid by his mother, who also footed the bill for his legal defence, according to the Telegraph.
Despite the multi-million pound cost, the settlement is thought to be a huge relief to the British Monarchy as the Duke will now avoid going to trial in front of a jury.
A source told the publication: “Walls were closing in fast. After his deposition, he would likely have been so damaged, no one could save him or agree to fund his settlement.”
Giuffre’s lawyer previously stated she was unlikely to accept a “purely financial settlement” to end the lawsuit, instead wanting a resolution to vindicate her, her claims and other victims.
The suit’s conclusion appears to have achieved this, with the royal accepting Giuffre was “an established victim of abuse” though not specifying at whose hands.
“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,” court documents state.
“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.”
