Andrew ‘will fight to clear reputation’
Duke of York’s legal team to ‘take gloves off’ in sex abuse claim battle
PRINCE Andrew has reportedly vowed to “fight” to clear his name against sexual abuse claims as his legal team say they are examining “multiple inconsistencies” in his accuser’s story.
The Duke of York’s lawyers are said to have “taken the gloves off ” in the clash with Virginia Giuffre, who is suing him in New York.
She claims she was forced to have sex with the prince three times when she was 17 after being loaned out by his friend, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew and his team deny the allegations.
Last week the prince finally conceded that legal papers relating to the claims had been served.
His lawyers, who include attorney Andrew Brettler, are trying to “systematically dismantle” them.
A source said: “Over the years there have been numerous inconsistencies within Ms Giuffre’s claims, his lawyers believe. Often dates do not match or claims change.
“One such instance is her court-made claims Andrew took part in a nine-girl orgy on Epstein’s Caribbean island. However, in the transcript of the book she entered into evidence she details the incident but bizarrely makes no mention of Andrew at all.
“She also claims in the transcript she was flown to meet the prince alone at Epstein’s New Mexico ranch, but court circulars place the prince elsewhere.
“Such allegations are what his legal team are zeroing in on. The gloves have been taken off.”
Andrew’s team are also set to receive from Giuffre’s team a copy of a “release” signed in 2009 – following her settlement with Epstein – to the duke.
They hope it will exempt him from any culpability, but her lawyers say it does not apply to him.
Giuffre could be awarded £14million if she wins her case, lawyers say.
It came as Andrew and ex-wife Sarah Ferguson are said to be close to selling their £17.6million Swiss chalet in a bid to pay off the former owner, who says they owe her £6.7million.