Andrew’s settlement ‘best outcome’ so Royals avoid ‘ruthless’ trial, expert says
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Prince Andrew’s settlement in principle with his accuser in the US civil trial Virginia Giuffre has been called the “best possible outcome” for the Royal Family by a royal expert.
The Duke of York was due to face a civil trial in the US over allegations of sexual assault made by Ms Giuffre, which he has fervently denied.
Tuesday's news that he has reached a "settlement in principle" means Andrew will no longer be deposed and will be spared from attorneys looking to “humiliate and humble” him, according to expert Kinsey Schofield, founder of ToDiForDaily.com.
She told the Daily Star: “I think PR-wise, this was the best possible outcome for the royal family brand. A trial would have created shockwaves around the world.
“Prince Andrew’s accuser could have made all sorts of additional accusations that would be repeated in newspapers everywhere and statistically, news consumers remember accusations over remembering an outcome or the reveal of ‘the truth.’
“In America, these kinds of trials are ruthless and the alleged victims and their attorneys hold the accusers’ feet to the fire and look to humiliate and humble.
"Bill Clinton’s accuser, Paula Jones, actually drew a picture of his penis to present as evidence.”
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In a letter submitted to the United States District Court on today, Ms Giuffre’s lawyer David Boies wrote jointly with Andrew’s lawyers to say that the parties had “reached a settlement in principle”.
Court documents show the Duke will make a “substantial donation to Ms Giuffre’s charity in support of victims’ rights”
Kinsey believes that Andrew’s family may have been the ones to advise him against going to trial due to the Queen celebrating her milestone 70 years on the throne.
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The Queen had already striped Andrew of his royal patronage and military titles following the decision by a US judge to have the case go to trial.
Kinsey added: “This is not the direction that the royal family wanted to go during the Queen’s Jubilee year. The Queen is obviously at a place where she is trying to organise things neatly before the inevitable happens and Prince Charles becomes the King.
“I imagine that his family advised against a trial.”
Ms Giuffre made the claims against Andrew for damages in the US, claiming she was trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein to have sex with the Duke when she was 17.
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An attachment to the letter announcing the settlement gave brief details of the agreement between Andrew and Ms Giuffre but stated the amount would not be disclosed.
In the accompanying letter, Andrew has also pledged to “demonstrate his regret for his association with Epstein” by supporting the “fight against the evils of sex trafficking, and by supporting its victims”.
Buckingham Palace has been contacted for comment.
- Prince Andrew
- Royal Family
- Queen
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