Prince Andrew reaches settlement with Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre

The Duke of York has strenuously denied Ms Giuffre’s allegations that he sexually assaulted her on three occasions when she was 17 years old.

Ms Giuffre, one of the high-profile accusers of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, brought the case in New York under the state’s Child Victims Act (CVA), which created a one-year window for people over the age of 55 to sue for sexual abuse they experienced as children.

In a statement confirming the settlement, Prince Andrew’s lawyers said: “Prince Andrew intends to make a substantial donation to Ms Giuffre’s charity in support of victims’ rights.

“Prince Andrew has never meant to malign Ms Giuffre’s character, and he accepts that she has suffered both as an established victim of abuse and as a result of unfair public attacks.

“It is known that Jeffrey Epstein trafficked countless young girls over many years. Prince Andrew regrets his association with Epstein, and commends the bravery of Ms Giuffre and other survivors in standing up for themselves and others.

“He pledges to demonstrate his regret for his association with Epstein by supporting the fight against the evils of sex trafficking, and by supporting its victims.”