In an unprecedented move that has sent shockwaves through the monarchy, Prince Andrew has broken his royal silence with a staggering 1,500-word legal statement vehemently denying all sexual assault allegations made by Virginia Giuffre.
The Duke of York's extraordinary document, filed with a New York court, represents his first comprehensive response to the civil case that threatens to engulf the Royal Family in its most damaging scandal in decades.
The Core Denials
Andrew's legal team has mounted an aggressive defence, stating unequivocally that he "never sexually abused or assaulted" Ms Giuffre and demanding a trial by jury to clear his name. The statement systematically challenges every aspect of the allegations:
- Complete denial of ever meeting his accuser
- Rejection of all claims of sexual contact
- Challenge to the validity of the 2009 settlement agreement
The Epstein Connection
While acknowledging his "association with Jeffrey Epstein" as a "mistake and error of judgement," the Duke draws a firm line between this admission and the specific allegations against him. The document carefully navigates the toxic legacy of his friendship with the convicted sex offender while maintaining his innocence regarding Ms Giuffre's claims.
Legal Strategy Revealed
The filing reveals a multi-pronged legal approach designed to dismantle the case against him:
- Questioning whether Ms Giuffre even resides in Colorado as claimed
- Challenging the court's jurisdiction over a senior British royal
- Arguing the 2009 settlement protects him from litigation
- Asserting the claims fall outside statutory time limits
Legal experts describe the statement as "remarkably combative" for a senior royal, reflecting the high-stakes nature of a case that could ultimately require the Queen's son to give evidence under oath in an American courtroom.
Palace Implications
This development comes at a particularly sensitive time for the monarchy, following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's departure from royal duties and the ongoing health concerns surrounding the Queen. The detailed public denial suggests Buckingham Palace is preparing for a protracted legal battle that could dominate headlines for months to come.
As the case progresses through the US legal system, all eyes remain on whether Prince Andrew will be compelled to provide sworn testimony about events that he insists never occurred.
