Prince Andrew avoids court as he reaches financial settlement with accuser Virginia Roberts

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By Nika Shakhnazarova

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Prince Andrew has settled a civil sexual assault case brought against him in the US by Virginia Giuffre Roberts, BBC News reports.

Giuffre, nee Roberts, 38, claims that she was sexually assaulted by the Queen's second son three times: once in New York City, once in London at Maxwell's home, and once on Epstein's private island, known as Little St. James, in the US Virgin Islands.

The 38-year-old filed a lawsuit in New York back in August. Prince Andrew denied all allegations against him.

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Court documents, filed in Manhattan on Tuesday, February 15, reveal that an out-of-court settlement had been agreed upon by both parties.

The Duke of York will now pay an undisclosed amount to Giuffre and make a donation to a charity "in support of victims' rights" in exchange for the case no longer proceeding to trial.

In a joint statement confirming the settlement, the prince said he regretted his association with late pedophile Epstein and "commends the bravery" of Ms Giuffre and other survivors of abuse.

Prince Andrew said he also accepted that Ms Giuffre is "an established victim of abuse" and that she had been subjected to "unfair public attacks".

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"The parties will file a stipulated dismissal upon Ms Giuffre’s receipt of the settlement (the sum of which is not being disclosed)," the statement reads.

"Prince Andrew intends to make a substantial donation to Ms Giuffre’s charity in support of victims' rights.

"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."

The statement adds: "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."

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"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," the statement concluded.

The news comes as the Duke of York has returned his Royal patronages and military honors to the Queen. "The Duke of York will continue not to undertake any public duties and is defending this case as a private citizen," a statement from Buckingham Palace read.

In December, Maxwell, 60, was found guilty of helping the late financier Epstein sexually abuse teenage girls.

The socialite was found guilty of five federal charges, including sex trafficking of a minor, transporting a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, and three related counts of conspiracy.

Featured image credit: Ian Hinchliffe / Alamy