Prince Andrew has preferred to reach a financial settlement in the civil lawsuit for sexual assault filed against him in the United States, rather than undergo a trial and plunge the British royalty into a larger scandal.
The Queen’s son had flatly denied all allegations by Virginia Giuffre, who has accused the Duke of York of sexually assaulting her on three occasions when she was 17.
On Tuesday, a letter was filed in a U.S. district court where it was revealed that Prince Andres and Virginia Giuffre reached an out-of-court settlement.
What was the amount prince Andrew had to pay?
No details of the economic terms agreed between the parties were revealed. What was revealed is that the Duke of York will make a “substantial donation to Mrs Giuffre’s charity”.
In addition, the document states that the duke “never intended to defame Mrs. Giuffre’s reputation” and that he acknowledged that she had to suffer both as a “victim of abuse” and for the “unjust public attacks” against her.
As part of the deal, the duke has pledged to “demonstrate his regret for his association” with Epstein, support the “fight against the evils of sex trafficking” and stand with victims.
He also praised the “bravery of Ms. Giuffre and other survivors in standing up for themselves and others,” the agreement says.
Sean Coughlan, a correspondent for the royals, has assured that the financial cost reached in the agreement will be very significant for the prince. In addition, it avoids a major disaster to the Royal House.
Coughlan believes this deal prevents the Queen’s jubilee year from being marred by negative headlines.
Although the expert on royalty assures that the duke has preferred to pay and express regret, instead of clearing his name.