Rachael Maskell, the MP for York Central, has called on the royal family to provide clarity on how Prince Andrew funded a £12 million settlement in a sexual abuse case brought by Virginia Giuffre. Maskell stated that “a lot of clarity” is needed regarding the payment, which was made in 2022.
Giuffre, who died by suicide in April at age 41, alleged she was abused by Jeffrey Epstein and trafficked to other powerful men. She brought a civil case against Andrew in New York, claiming he sexually assaulted her on three occasions when she was 17. Andrew denied the allegations but settled out of court without admitting liability.
Maskell, who has long campaigned for Andrew to be stripped of his Duke of York title, said: “I think we need a lot of clarity over this. I think honesty is so important. Virginia Giuffre no longer is with us, but she has family. It’s important that everyone has transparency.”
Andrew announced on Friday that he would no longer use the title, though he retains the dukedom. The decision followed a discussion with King Charles III, who reportedly funded the settlement with private income from the Duchy of Lancaster, a property portfolio controlled by the monarch. Maskell plans to reintroduce a bill in parliament to allow the monarch to remove titles.
Giuffre’s brother, Sky Roberts, called Andrew’s decision to surrender his titles a “joyous moment,” adding that Giuffre’s children would be proud.
