Andrew left ‘broken’ by sex claims payout saga
PRINCE Andrew is “down and broken” after his legal settlement with his sex accuser, sources say.
He is so low that he was allowed to keep the title of Vice Admiral just to cheer him up, it is claimed.
The Duke of York once held 13 military titles but was stripped of all bar one after claims he had sex with a trafficked teenager in London. He has always denied the allegations.
A source who served with the Prince during the 1982 Falklands War said: “He is down, he is broken. His reputation is in tatters, his public life is over. He is a walking embarrassment.
PRICE
“Frankly, my view is let him keep the rank of Vice Admiral. He served in the Falklands and this was bestowed by the Queen. It’s effectively the same as an honorary degree. He hasn’t been convicted of anything. I’ve no idea if he is guilty or innocent so, frankly, I think he has paid quite a heavy price.”
Andrew was a helicopter pilot in the Falklands. In a 22-year career he also commanded the minehunter HMS Cottesmore. It is believed the decision to keep the Vice Admiral rank is backed by the Queen.
Her Majesty was due to promote Andrew,
62, to Admiral on his 60th birthday. But it was deferred after he stepped back from duties over Virginia
Giuffre’s claims.
This month he reached a reported
£12million out-of-court settlement with Ms
Giuffre, 38, to spare the Royal Family yet more damage at a civil trial. He remains as HRH, but a source said he will not use it in an official capacity.