Topline
Prince Andrew’s legal team filed documents Wednesday demanding he have a jury trial for the lawsuit brought against him in U.S. court by Virgina Giuffre, one of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein’s most outspoken accusers, and he denied the allegations by Giuffre in the suit that he sexually assaulted her when she was underage.
Key Facts
Andrew’s legal team requested a trial by jury in a court filing Wednesday, in which the prince denied Giuffre’s claims that he had sex with her on three occasions while she was 17 years old and being trafficked by Epstein and disgraced British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell.
The move appears to mark a new legal strategy for Andrew and his lawyers, who previously argued to have the lawsuit tossed out, and even contested that the prince was properly served the suit last year.
A jury trial would raise the possibility that Andrew testifies in court, a surprising move for a member of the British royal family who has already faced major blowback over Giuffre’s allegations and his friendship with Epstein.
Key Background
Giuffre sued Andrew in U.S. civil court last year for unspecified damages. Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan rejected an argument from the prince’s legal team that a $500,000 settlement between Epstein and Giuffre in 2009 shielded Andrew from trial, and ruled the case against him could move forward to trial. The next day, Andrew’s mother, Queen Elizabeth, stripped him of his military affiliations and royal patronages. Andrew has not carried out any official duties on behalf of his mother since 2019, when he stepped back from his role as a senior member of the royal family amid fallout over his friendship with Epstein and a widely panned interview with the BBC.
Further Reading
Calls Rise To Strip Prince Andrew Of Title As Duke Of York (Forbes)
Queen Strips Prince Andrew Of Military Titles As Sex Abuse Trial Looms (Forbes)
Prince Andrew To Face U.S. Civil Sex Assault Trial (Forbes)
Prince Andrew Sued In U.S. Court By Jeffrey Epstein Accuser Virginia Giuffre (Forbes)
