The legal storm surrounding Prince Andrew continues to gather momentum as a US judge has demanded clarity on whether the Duke of York has been officially served with court papers relating to sexual assault allegations.
In a significant development that threatens to prolong the royal's legal nightmare, Judge Lewis Kaplan has given lawyers until September 21st to provide definitive confirmation about the serving of documents filed by Virginia Giuffre, who claims she was trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein to have sex with the prince when she was 17.
Mounting Pressure on Buckingham Palace
The judge's intervention comes amid growing questions about Prince Andrew's awareness of the lawsuit. Despite Buckingham Palace's continued silence on the matter, legal experts suggest the Duke cannot remain in the dark indefinitely about the serious allegations being made against him.
Ms Giuffre's legal team maintains they have followed proper procedures in serving the documents, while the prince's representatives have remained conspicuously quiet about whether they have received the papers officially.
A Timeline of Legal Complications
The case has been fraught with procedural challenges from the outset:
- Virginia Giuffre filed her lawsuit under New York's Child Victims Act
- Initial attempts to serve papers to the prince's LA-based lawyer were rejected
- Alternative methods of service were subsequently approved by the court
- Prince Andrew has consistently denied all allegations against him
This latest judicial order adds another layer of complexity to a case that has already caused significant reputational damage to the royal family.
What Happens Next?
Legal analysts suggest that if the judge determines proper service has been achieved, Prince Andrew will have 21 days to respond to the allegations formally. Failure to do so could result in a default judgment being entered against him.
The unfolding drama represents one of the most serious legal challenges faced by a senior royal in recent memory, with potential implications that could extend far beyond the courtroom.
