EPSTEIN VICTIM SUES ANDREW: ‘HE HAS TO PAY’
Prince Andrew turned up to the Queen’s annual summer holiday in total disgrace, after it was confirmed last week that he’s being sued in a New York civil court by his alleged teenage sex assault victim.
Virginia Roberts Giuffre (inset), now 38, was 17 when she was allegedly procured in London by convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein in 1999 to have sex with the Duke of York.
She said last week, “I am holding Prince Andrew accountable for what he did to me. The powerful and rich are not exempt from being held responsible for their actions.”
Virginia is seeking millions in damages in a Manhattan court over claims of “improper sexual violations [and] physical and emotional distress”.
Andrew has hired a “crisis PR”, and it’s believed he arrived at Balmoral Castle to discuss with his 95-year-old mother whether he should fight the claims, or settle out of court.
In a show of support, his ex-wife, Sarah, Duchess of York, who has long insisted on his innocence, accompanied Andrew for the summit.
Sources tell UK newspaper the Daily Mirror that the Queen, who in April buried her husband Prince Philip, “could do without this after the year she’s had”.
“Summer at Balmoral is a special time when the family comes together to take stock, relax and recharge their batteries,” says an insider. “But the first thing she is having to deal with is her 61-year-old son turning up on her doorstep with his ex-wife, hours after learning he is being sued for allegedly abusing a 17-year-old girl.”
Prince Andrew has always denied the claims, and a spokesperson said there was “no comment” on the lawsuit.