Prince Andrew to give evidence in Giuffre sex abuse case next month: source – National

His Prince Andrew will give evidence next month in a sexual abuse lawsuit brought by Virginia Giuffre, a source close to the prince said on Saturday.

The Duke of York, who denies sexually abusing Giuffre two decades ago when she was 17, will be sworn in in London, the Daily Telegraph reports.

“We have agreed to voluntarily remove the Duke on March 10. Despite repeated requests, Ms. Giuffre has yet to commit to a date or location for the removal,” the source told Reuters.

Giuffre, 38, sued Andrew last August, alleging he beat her while late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was trafficking her.

In an application filed with US District Court in Manhattan, Andrew, 61, admitted to meeting Epstein on or about 1999, but denied Giuffre’s allegation that he had “sexually assaulted and batteryed” the suspect. aunt.

Andrew’s relationship with Epstein, who committed suicide in a Manhattan cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex abuse charges, has damaged his credibility with the public and his standing in the Royal Family. Brother.

Last month, the family removed Andrew’s military links and patronage, and said Queen Elizabeth’s second son would no longer be known as “His Royal Family”. .

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Ascension to the throne: Queen strips Prince Andrew of royal patronage, military titles amid civil sex abuse lawsuit

The prince’s lawyers previously called Giuffre’s case “baseless” and accused her of seeking another payday.

Giuffre received $500,000 in a 2009 civil settlement with Epstein.

US District Judge Lewis Kaplan said a trial could run from September to December 2022.

If Giuffre wins the trial, Andrew may owe her. She asked for an unspecified amount.

Andrew has not been charged with a criminal offence, and no criminal charges can be brought in Giuffre’s civil suit.