Royals reportedly pressured Prince Andrew to settle sex abuse lawsuit

• The royal family reportedly pressured Prince Andrew to quickly settle his sex abuse lawsuit to prevent it from overshadowing the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
• Sources state that the settlement with accuser Virginia Giuffre cost at least $12 million.
• The lawsuit also led to the prince being stripped of his patronages and “His Royal Highness” title.

The royal family has reportedly pressured Prince Andrew to settle his sex abuse lawsuit from Virginia Roberts Giuffre. According to multiple sources, the royals did not want the suit to cast a shadow on Queen Elizabeth’s historical Platinum Jubilee.

Majesty magazine’s managing editor, Joe Little, told The Post, “The legal proceedings would have been an unwelcome distraction when all eyes should really be on the Queen. If this settlement is finalized then that will no longer be the case.”

Officials at Buckingham Palace have spent most of the past year preparing for the Queen’s 70th coronation anniversary, which will include a star-studded concert at the palace in July.

Andrew has claimed to have “no recollection” of meeting Giuffre, but the lawsuit has started to overshadow plans for the Platinum Jubilee. This prompted several members of the royal family, including Prince Charles, to urge the Duke of York to settle.

While details of the settlement are confidential, a source estimated the cost to be $12 million. Andrew also agreed to provide a “substantial donation” to Giuffre’s charity.

Previous reports claimed that the Queen had partly funded Andrew’s defense.

The lawsuit also prompted several royals, including Charles and his oldest son, Prince William, to recommend stripping Andrew of his patronages and “His Royal Highness” title last month.

Buckingham Palace, along with Charles and William, has refused to make a statement about the matter. However, a source informed The Post that a settlement was the royals’ “favored” outcome.

The Queen marked the start of her historical year by announcing that Charles’ wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, shall be given the title of Queen Consort upon Charles’ ascension to the throne.

Other upcoming events include a memorial at London’s Westminster Cathedral for the Queen’s late husband, Prince Philip, on March 29. William will also be celebrating his 40th birthday in June.

According to palace insiders, the royals did not want Andrew’s suit to overshadow family matters. One source said, “The whole thing is just embarrassing and distasteful.”

Source: New York Post