In a significant legal setback for the Duke of York, a US judge has rejected Prince Andrew's attempt to have Virginia Giuffre's sexual assault lawsuit thrown out of court. The ruling ensures the controversial case will proceed, maintaining intense scrutiny on the royal's alleged connections to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
Legal Battle Intensifies for Royal
The decision by Judge Lewis Kaplan means Prince Andrew must now face a civil trial over allegations he sexually assaulted Ms Giuffre on three separate occasions when she was 17 years old. The Virginia Roberts case, as it was previously known, has haunted the prince for years and now threatens to extend the royal family's connection to one of the most notorious sex abuse scandals in recent history.
Maxwell Connection Deepens Royal Woes
Central to the case is Prince Andrew's long-standing friendship with Ghislaine Maxwell, recently convicted for her role in Epstein's trafficking network. Court documents reveal the socialite facilitated meetings between the royal and the financier, creating what prosecutors describe as a "web of exploitation" that now ensnares the British monarchy.
Buckingham Palace has maintained its stance of not commenting on ongoing legal proceedings, though sources indicate the institution is preparing for potentially damaging revelations as the case progresses toward trial.
International Implications
The ruling carries significant diplomatic weight, with legal experts noting the unusual position of a senior royal facing serious allegations in a foreign court. The case has already prompted discussions between UK and US officials about protocol and potential outcomes should the matter escalate further.
As the legal proceedings continue, all eyes remain on whether Prince Andrew will choose to settle the case out of court or fight the allegations in what promises to be a highly publicised trial.
