Andrew agrees ‘substantial donation’ to accuser’s charity as a part of settlement

The Duke of York has agreed to make a “substantial donation” to Virginia Giuffre’s charity after the pair agreed an undisclosed out-of-court settlement in her civil intercourse declare in opposition to him.

In a letter submitted on behalf of each events to america District Court docket on Tuesday, Andrew’s authorized representatives stated he has “by no means meant to malign Ms Giuffre’s character” and that he “regrets his affiliation” with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The settlement states the duke will donate to Ms Giuffre’s charity in assist of victims’ rights and that he has pledged to “show his remorse for his affiliation with Epstein” by supporting the “battle in opposition to the evils of intercourse trafficking, and by supporting its victims”.

Ms Giuffre, also called Virginia Roberts, made the declare in opposition to Andrew for damages in her residence nation of the US, claiming she was trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein, Andrew’s good friend, to have intercourse with the royal when she was 17, a minor underneath US legislation.

Though the events have settled the case, the settlement is just not an request for forgiveness from the duke and he has at all times strenuously denied the allegations in opposition to him.

An attachment to the letter asserting the settlement gave transient particulars of the settlement between Andrew and Ms Giuffre however indicated the sum wouldn’t be disclosed.

It learn: “Virginia Giuffre and Prince Andrew have reached an out of court docket settlement.

“The events will file a stipulated dismissal upon Ms Giuffre’s receipt of the settlement (the sum of which isn’t being disclosed).

“Prince Andrew intends to make a considerable donation to Ms Giuffre’s charity in assist of victims’ rights.

“Prince Andrew has by no means meant to malign Ms Giuffre’s character, and he accepts that she has suffered each as a longtime sufferer of abuse and because of unfair public assaults.

“It’s recognized that Jeffrey Epstein trafficked numerous younger ladies over a few years.

“Prince Andrew regrets his affiliation with Epstein, and commends the bravery of Ms Giuffre and different survivors in standing up for themselves and others.

“He pledges to show his remorse for his affiliation with Epstein by supporting the battle in opposition to the evils of intercourse trafficking, and by supporting its victims.”

Responding to the settlement, considered one of Ms Giuffre’s attorneys, David Boies, stated: “I imagine this occasion speaks for itself.”

Sigrid McCawley, who additionally represents the duke’s accuser, added: “As a managing accomplice at a agency that has from its starting acted upon the assumption that the legislation must be marshalled to deliver justice to essentially the most weak, I can say, with out hesitation, that our illustration of survivors upholds that custom.

“I’m more than happy with the decision of Virginia Giuffre’s litigation in opposition to Prince Andrew.”

Buckingham Palace declined to touch upon the event.

The Queen stripped her second son of his prestigious honorary navy titles and royal patronages in January, and he stopped utilizing his HRH type, in a transfer that successfully forged him adrift from the establishment.

It’s understood that the assertion launched by the Palace on January 13, outlining the modifications, nonetheless stands, with the duke persevering with to not undertake any public duties.

The settlement has come within the monarch’s historic Platinum Jubilee 12 months, and offers the royal household the possibility to rejoice the Queen’s 70 years on the throne on the nationwide festivities in June with out the specter of Andrew’s trial looming over them.

In January, the duke’s attorneys submitted 11 the reason why the case in opposition to him must be dismissed, saying he demanded a trial by jury.

Royal creator Penny Junor stated the settlement made by the Duke of York is more likely to come as a “large reduction” to the remainder of the royal household.

She informed the PA information company: “Going to trial, it might have been very, very nasty.

“It might have been embarrassing, humiliating, and it will have been large fodder for the tabloid press.”

Additionally giving her response to the information, Lisa Bloom, a lawyer representing numerous Epstein’s victims stated she and her purchasers “salute Virginia’s gorgeous braveness”.

In a tweet, she stated: “We hail Virginia’s victory as we speak.

“She has achieved what nobody else might: getting Prince Andrew to cease his nonsense and aspect with sexual abuse victims.

“We salute Virginia’s gorgeous braveness.”

Representatives of the duke stated they’d not be commenting additional than what was stated within the paperwork submitted to the court docket.

Andrew’s representatives additionally declined to touch upon how the substantial donation to Ms Giuffre’s charity can be funded.