Prince Andrew wants to defend himself against allegations in civil proceedings

Britain’s Prince Andrew plans to defend himself against allegations of abuse of Virginia Joffrey in a civil trial in New York. “Prince Andrew is hereby requesting a jury trial on all charges set forth in the lawsuit,” his lawyers said in a court document released yesterday.

David Bowes, Giuffre’s lawyer, told AFP he was “looking forward” to confronting the prince over his “exile”.

In his statement, Queen Elizabeth II’s second son point by point rejected all the allegations made against him, including in relation to the late US offender Jeffrey Epstein.

“Prince Andrew denies that he was a conspirator with Epstein or that Epstein gave him access to girls,” the document filed in federal court in New York said.

Civil lawsuit more likely

With the announcement, civil action in the case has become more likely — even if an out-of-court settlement is not ruled out. But sources close to Andrew in London said the news “means that the matter will be taken to court”. Previously, Andrew had failed to file a motion to dismiss the lawsuit.

Prosecutor Joffrey claims she was sexually assaulted by the prince in 2001 at the age of 17, including at Epstein’s luxury New York home. Epstein “lent it” to the British royal family at the time. The 38-year-old is now claiming damages in an undisclosed amount.

Andrew has repeatedly denied these allegations. But due to the allegations and his past contacts with Epstein, he gave up his royal duties in 2019 and has largely withdrawn from the public.

Andrew lost his military titles

Then, two weeks ago, he lost his military titles and royal patronage. A New York judge had previously rejected the prince’s request to dismiss Joffrey’s suit. The civil trial could begin in the fall. Criminal proceedings against Prince Andrew in the United States have not yet begun.