Prince Andrew settles with female accuser in Epstein-related sexual abuse suit

Prince Andrew has reached a legal agreement that include an undisclosed settlement with a woman who has accused him in court of sexually abusing her as a teen, according to news reports Tuesday.

The settlement with plaintiff Virginia Giuffre will reportedly lead to a dismissal in the case being brought in Manhattan federal court.

Giuffre and Andrew will file a stipulation to dismiss the case inside of the next month, according to court papers filed on Tuesday.

An unsigned letter included in the settlement filing acknowledged Giuffre has suffered for years as a result of being trafficked by the late Jeffrey Epstein, with whom Andrew consorted for years.

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

"Prince Andrew has never intended 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."

Epstein was found dead in a jail cell in Manhattan in summer 2020 as he waited federal trail in connection with the charge. Officials say Epstein died by hanging himself. 

Giuffre has accused Andrew of sexually abusing her on several occasions during her teenage years, in London, New York, and the Virgin Islands, where Epstein kept a residence. Andrew has maintained his innocence throughout the public spectacle.

Last month, an attorney for Giuffre said he did not believe his client was interested in a purely financial settlement. 

As a result of the lawsuit and renewed spotlight on his allegedly criminal history, Andrew was stripped of his royal patronages and military titles. Buckingham Palace, at the time, made it clear that Andrew is "defending this case as a private citizen."