Topline
Prince Andrew of the United Kingdom, who was stripped of his royal duties in 2019 due to his friendship with late financier Jeffrey Epstein, was served Aug. 27 with court papers. Virginia Giuffre, one the most vocal Epsteins accusers, filed a civil suit against him. She claims she was forced to have sexual relations with the prince while she was underage.
Prince Andrew, Duke of York attends the Sunday Service in Windsor's Royal Chapel of All Saints... [+] on April. Getty Images
The Key Facts
In a court report filed in New York, Cesar Augusto Sepulveda, a process server, stated that he had left the affidavit on Friday with officers on duty at the Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park. Andrews' home since 2003. He also claimed that security denied him the opportunity to meet the prince personally when he requested it. Sepulveda attempted to serve papers the day prior, but it was denied by security staff. Forbes reached Giuffres legal department but they did not immediately reply to our request for comment.
Tangent
Andrew was served at Windsor Palace just miles from where he is believed to have been hiding in recent weeks. Windsor Palace is Queen Elizabeth's preferred royal residence. Andrew decided to resign from his royal duties in 2019 due to his friendship with Epstein. He continued to spend time together even after Epstein was convicted of soliciting underage girls. Andrew denies any wrongdoing and claims he offered to assist in the Epstein probe at three different times. This contradicts statements by New York federal prosecutor who claimed that the prince had completely closed the door to lending a hand investigators last year.
What to Watch
The hearing is scheduled for Monday in New York. Forbes was told last month by Giuffres' legal team that if Andrews ignored the lawsuit, they would target Andrews assets to the extent allowed under international law. The U.S. has no reciprocal agreement with the U.K. to enforce their respective court judgements.
Important Background
Giuffre claims that Epstein and Ghislaine Maxiwell forced her to have sex as a teenager in New York and London with the prince. Maxwell was a wealthy member and friend of Andrews. Giuffre seeks unspecified punitive and compensatory damages from the prince for severe and long-lasting effects resulting from Andrews abuse. Epstein committed suicide while awaiting sex-trafficking charges in August 2019. Maxwell remains in custody after her 2020 arrest for sex-trafficking.
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Prince Andrew Sued In U.S. Court By Jeffrey Epstein Accuser Virginia Giuffre (Forbes)
Prince Andrew gives his first interview since he was made a working royal over Epstein Ties (Forbes).
