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Prince Andrew news - live: Virginia Giuffre may have false memories, lawyers claim as accuser seeks witnesses

Prince Andrew’s legal team have called into question Virginia Giuffre’s credibility in the sex abuse lawsuit against the duke, saying she may be relying on ‘false memories’.

Ms Giuffre, now 39, is suing the royal for allegedly sexually assaulting her in the early 2000s, when she was a teenager. She claims she was trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein to have sex with Andrew when she was 17. The duke has vehemently denied the allegations.

The lawyers argue in new court documents that Ms Giuffre “may suffer from false memories”, and claim that her psychologist should be examined on the “theory of false memories” as well as other topics the pair have discussed during their sessions.

Meanwhile, Ms Giuffre is seeking witness accounts from a woman who claims to have seen the royal in Tramp nightclub.

Documents submitted by the accuser’s legal team say Shukri Walker has stated publicly in the press that she was a witness to Andrew’s presence at Tramp during the relevant time period with a young woman who may have been Ms Giuffre.

Key Points

  • Prince Andrew stripped of military titles

  • Prince Andrew case: Will he face trial over Virginia Giuffre’s claims of sex abuse?

  • Virginia Giuffre is not interested in purely financial settlement with Prince Andrew, lawyer says

  • Virginia Giuffre: ‘Rich & powerful are not above the law'

  • Prince Charles and Prince William allegedly urged the Queen to strip Prince Andrew of his patronages

Will Prince Andrew face trial over Virginia Giuffre’s claims of sex abuse?

Thursday 13 January 2022 15:00 , Bevan Hurley

A federal judge in New York threw out a request by Prince Andrew to dismiss a civil lawsuit accusing him of having sex with a 17-year-old girl who was being sex-trafficked by late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, in a bombshell ruling that paves the way for the case to go to trial.

When will the trial begin?

Judge Kaplan has given a timeframe of between September and December 2022 for the trial to commence.

According to the judge’s scheduling order, both parties must disclose expert witnesses by 13 May and rebuttal witnesses one month later.

Discovery of evidence must be completed by 14 July and a joint pretrial proposal filed by 28 July, outlining whether the parties wish to proceed to a jury trial.

However, proceedings could be held up with delays. And Prince Andrew may seek to settle the case before it gets to trial.

Rachel Sharp explains what comes next.

Will Prince Andrew now face trial?

Is 2022 going to be even worse for Queen and her favourite son than notorious ‘Annus horribilis’?

Thursday 13 January 2022 15:30 , Bevan Hurley

“Thirty years ago, Queen Elizabeth delivered a speech that has gone down in history.

Speaking in November 1992 at the Guildhall in London, the address was to formally mark the 40th anniversary of her ascension to the throne.

Under usual circumstances it might have been an occasion for the Queen to reflect on the moment, what she believed she had accomplished so far as Britain’s unelected head of state, and how she foresaw the years ahead.

As it was, worse was to come for the royals and their public image following the death of Diana in a car crash in Paris in August 1997, an event to which the Queen was accused of responding coldly. Some were ready to write off the royal family.

Yet, all of these travails may appear as pale as freshly fallen snow in comparison to the challenges now facing Prince Andrew, 61, long said to have been the Queens’s favourite.”

Read Chief US Correspondent Andrew Buncombe’s piece for The Independent Voices here.

Is 2022 going to be worse for the Queen and Andrew than notorious ‘Annus horribilis’?

‘Nothing off limits’: Prince Andrew likely to face grilling during deposition

Thursday 13 January 2022 15:52 , Bevan Hurley

Judge Lewis Kaplan’s bombshell decision to allow Virginia Giuffre’s civil sexual assault lawsuit to move forward means Prince Andrew faces having to sit for an interview under oath.

The case now moves into a discovery phase where both Andrew and Ms Giuffre will likely be quizzed by opposing lawyers in what’s known as a deposition.

A lawyer for some of Epstein’s victims told the Daily Mirror “nothing will be off limits” when Prince Andrew is deposed.

Spencer Kuvin claimed the Duke could face questions about his sex life and intimate details about his body.

While Andrew will not have to travel to the United States for the deposition, he will be questioned “under penalty of perjury of US law”.

Meanwhile, Ms Giuffre’s lawyer David Boise last night said she is not interested in a “purely financial” settlement with the Duke, saying she is seeking to be “vindicated”.

Mr Boise added that he may call Meghan Markle, Prince Charles and Andrew’s ex-wife Sarah Ferguson to testify.

Prince Andrew broke cover for the first time since Wednesday’s ruling (Rex)
Prince Andrew broke cover for the first time since Wednesday’s ruling (Rex)

Virginia Giuffre is not interested in purely financial settlement with Prince Andrew, lawyer says

Thursday 13 January 2022 16:06 , Bevan Hurley

Virginia Giuffre is not interested in a “purely financial settlement” in her lawsuit against Prince Andrew, her lawyer has said.

David Boise, her attorney, said she was seeking to be “vindicated” in the case.

He told BBC Newsnight: “I don’t think that she is has a firm view at this point nor could she as to exactly what the resolution could be.

“I think what’s going to be important is that this resolution vindicates her and vindicates the claim she’s made.”

He added: “A purely financial settlement is not anything that I think she is interested in.”

Read Liam James’ full story.

Virginia Giuffre ‘not interested in purely financial settlement’ with Prince Andrew

Virginia Giuffre welcomes judge’s ruling to allow sex abuse suit against Prince Andrew to go to trial

Thursday 13 January 2022 16:30 , Bevan Hurley

Virginia Giuffre said she is “pleased” that a federal judge in New York rejected the royal’s motion to toss the lawsuit on Wednesday, moving one step closer to the possibility that the prince will be called to testify in US court.

“Virginia Giuffre is, of course, pleased that Prince Andrew’s motion to dismiss has been denied, and that evidence will now be taken concerning her claims against him,” Ms Giuffre’s attorney David Boise said in a statement.

“She looks forward to a judicial determination of the merits of those claims.”

Read Rachel Sharp’s full report.

Virginia Giuffre welcomes judge’s ruling in Prince Andrew sex abuse suit

Prince Andrew’s civil case: What is alleged and what happens next?

Thursday 13 January 2022 16:43 , Bevan Hurley

Prince Andrew has had a motion to dismiss the civil case against him denied by a judge in New York so what is alleged against the duke and what will happen next?

Ms Giuffre is suing Andrew in a civil case in New York alleging she was forced to have sex with Jeffrey Epstein’s friends, including the Duke of York, when she was 17.

The civil case will now move into a discovery phase where Andrew may have to sit for an interview under oath.

Prince Andrew strongly denies the allegations against him.

What happens next in Prince Andrew's civil case?

‘This is really quite sad for the Queen’: Prominent figures react to news of Prince Andrew’s sex abuse trial

Thursday 13 January 2022 17:00 , Bevan Hurley

A prominent British MP has said news that Prince Andrew will face a civil sexual assault case is “horrible” for the Queen to go through as she celebrates the 70th anniversary of her ascent to the throne.

Speaking to The Independent , Labour MP Diane Abbott said: “This is really quite sad for the queen in her platinum jubilee year.

“I wouldn’t want to say more than that. We will only know when the court case is completed. But it is a horrible thing to happen in the Queen’s jubilee year.”

The Independent’s Maya Oppenheim has the full story.

Prominent figures react to news of Prince Andrew’s sex abuse trial

Prince Andrew stripped of military titles after sexual abuse case moves to trial

Thursday 13 January 2022 17:28 , Bevan Hurley

Prince Andrew has been relieved of his military titles, Buckingham Palace said in a statement released on Thursday.

The decision comes in the wake of a decision by a US judge to allow a civil sexual abuse case involving the Duke of York to move to trial.

Andrew denies all the allegations.

Read Tom Batchelor’s report here.

Prince Andrew stripped of military titles

Will Meghan Markle be called to speak at Andrew’s civil trial?

Thursday 13 January 2022 17:30 , Bevan Hurley

Meghan Markle could be called as a witness in Prince Andrew’s sexual assault lawsuit, according to Virginia Giuffre’s attorney.

David Boise told The Daily Beast last month that Ms Markle may have “important knowledge” of allegations that Andrew abused his Ms Giuffre three times when she was 17.

Judge Lewis Kaplan ruled on Wednesday that Ms Giuffre’s civil lawsuit alleging she suffered battery and intentional emotional damage could move forward. Andrew has strongly denied the claims against him.

Read the full story here.

Will Meghan Markle be called to speak at Andrew’s civil trial?

‘This is a marathon not a sprint’, says source close to Prince Andrew

Thursday 13 January 2022 17:58 , Bevan Hurley

Prince Andrew was “unsurprised” by a judge’s decision to allow Virginia Giuffre’s civil sexual assault case to move forward to trial, a source close to the royal says.

Judge Lewis Kaplan dismissed a motion by Andrew’s attorneys that a 2009 settlement deal between Ms Giuffre and Jeffrey Epstein absolved him of liabilty.

“Given the robustness with which Judge Kaplan greeted our arguments, we are unsurprised by the ruling. However, it was not a judgement on the merits of Ms Giuffre’s allegations,” the source said in a statement to The Independent.

“This is a marathon not a sprint and the Duke will continue to defend himself against these claims.”

Prince Andrew is facing civil sexual assault allegations (Sakchai Lalit/AP)
Prince Andrew is facing civil sexual assault allegations (Sakchai Lalit/AP)

Princess Beatrice and Sarah Ferguson may be questioned in Prince Andrew’s sex assault case

Thursday 13 January 2022 18:15 , Bevan Hurley

Princess Beatrice and Sarah Ferguson could be questioned as part of Prince Andrew’s sexual assault case.

The Duke of York’s eldest daughter and ex-wife may be cross-examined on camera by Judge Lewis Kaplan after the Duke of York’s attempt to have the case dismissed was thrown out on Wednesday, meaning he faces trial in Virginia Giuffre’s lawsuit.

The 61-year-old has vehemently denied Ms Giuffre’s allegations she was forced to have sex with him more than two decades ago.

His legal team has been asked to supply evidence to support his claims he took Princess Beatrice to a Pizza Express restaurant in Woking, Surrey, on the night Ms Giuffre alleges he had sex with her.

Thomas Kingsley has more.

Princess Beatrice and Sarah Ferguson may be questioned in Andrew’ sex assault case

Buckingham Palace responds as royal loses bid to block Virginia Giuffre sex abuse lawsuit

Thursday 13 January 2022 18:30 , Bevan Hurley

Buckingham Palace have refused to comment on a judge’s ruling to allow Virginia Giuffre’s sexual abuse lawsuit against Prince Andrew to proceed.

Judge Lewis Kaplan dismissed Andrew’s bid to have Ms Giuffre’s civil case thrown out in a judgment issued on Wednesday.

A Palace spokesperson told The Independent: “We would not comment on what is an ongoing legal matter.’’

Prince Andrew’s spokesperson has not yet responded to a request for comment on the decision.

Read the full story here.

Palace refuses to comment as Prince Andrew loses bid to block sex abuse lawsuit

Full list of military titles Prince Andrew has lost

Thursday 13 January 2022 18:42 , Bevan Hurley

Prince Andrew has been stripped of his military titles, Buckingham Palace announced on Thursday.

The announcement came after more than 150 Royal Navy, RAF and Army veterans signed a letter asking for the Queen to relieve the prince Andrew of his military appointments.

The decision means Prince Andrew will lose the following titles:

  • Colonel of the Grenadier Guards

  • Honorary air commodore of RAF Lossiemouth

  • Colonel-in-chief of the Royal Irish Regiment

  • Colonel-in-chief of the Small Arms School Corps

  • Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm

  • Royal colonel of the Royal Highland Fusiliers

  • Deputy colonel-in-chief of The Royal Lancers (Queen Elizabeths’ Own)

  • Royal colonel of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Ghislaine Maxwell no longer fighting to keep names sealed from Virginia Giuffre’s lawsuit

Thursday 13 January 2022 19:03 , Bevan Hurley

Ghislaine Maxwell is no longer fighting to hide information – including eight names – from Virginia Giuffre’s lawsuit against her, her lawyers say.

Lawyers for Ms Giuffre, who has accused Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein of sexually abusing her, have long fought to unseal the names of eight “John Does” mentioned in their 2015 civil lawsuit. Maxwell’s attorneys pushed back, but on Thursday they appeared to give up the fight.

The Independent’s Nathan Place has more.

Ghislaine Maxwell no longer fighting to hide John Does’ real names

‘We don’t want to toast his health’

Thursday 13 January 2022 19:28 , Bevan Hurley

Former BBC Royal correspondent Jenny Bond said she was surprised to see Prince Andrew stripped of his military titles and patronages.

“Clearly pressure has been exerted on him, and pressure on the Queen was growing for some action because of the disquiet within the military, and people beginning to say ‘we don’t want to toast his health’ at the end of regimental dinners,” Ms Bond told the BBC.

“With the court procedures the way they are in the United States, this is going to roll on and on probably well into next year, thus overshadowing the Queen’s platinum jubilee year so that, I think, will be very much up in Prince Andrew’s mind.”

Buckingham Palace issued a statement on Thursday to say the Duke of York was handing back his titles and would fight a civil sexual assault lawsuit as a “private citizen”.

The Queen had been under pressure to reprimand Andrew, Jenny Bond says (Getty Images)
The Queen had been under pressure to reprimand Andrew, Jenny Bond says (Getty Images)

Prince Andrew has been stripped of his titles. What next for the Queen’s favourite son?

Thursday 13 January 2022 20:00 , Bevan Hurley

“Thirty years ago, Queen Elizabeth delivered a speech that has gone down in history.

Speaking in November 1992 at the Guildhall in London, the address was to formally mark the 40th anniversary of her ascension to the throne. Under usual circumstances it might have been an occasion for the Queen to reflect on the moment, what she believed she had accomplished so far as Britain’s unelected head of state, and how she foresaw the years ahead. Yet they were not happy times for the Queen, or her children. In the preceding 12 months, three of them had separated from their partners.

Yet, all of these travails may appear as pale as freshly fallen snow in comparison to the challenges now facing Prince Andrew, 61, long said to have been the Queen’s favourite.”

Read Chief US Correspondent Andrew Buncombe’s piece for The Independent’s Voices.

Prince Andrew has been stripped of his titles. What now for the Queen’s favorite son?

So farewell, then, your not-so-royal highness

Thursday 13 January 2022 20:30 , Bevan Hurley

“Goodness, the House of Windsor really can be ruthless when it wants to be. Or has to be, more like. Life comes fast at you when you live in comfortable seclusion in a variety of royal palaces. That princely platinum pudding, Prince Andrew is learning all about that the hard way…

On Wednesday, the Duke of York gets notice that he faces a civil sex case in New York. On Thursday he’s told to hand back his remaining patronages, honorific military titles, collection of fancy uniforms (tailored for the more portly figure) – even the title of “his royal highness” won’t be “used” any more. And him a prince-of-the-blood royal, indeed. They didn’t even do that to Edward VIII when he abdicated back in 1936. Quite a day.

Dramatic as the developments are, though, it’s all been coming for some time. The regiments and the public have had enough of him. Sorry, ma’am.”

Read Sean O’Grady’s piece for The Independent Voices here.

So farewell, then, your not-so-royal highness | Sean O’Grady

Virginia Giuffre is not interested in purely financial settlement with Prince Andrew, lawyer says

Thursday 13 January 2022 21:00 , Bevan Hurley

Virginia Giuffre is not interested in a “purely financial settlement” in her lawsuit against Prince Andrew, her lawyer has said.

David Boise, her attorney, said she was seeking to be “vindicated” in the case.

He told BBC Newsnight: “I don’t think that she is has a firm view at this point nor could she as to exactly what the resolution could be.

“I think what’s going to be important is that this resolution vindicates her and vindicates the claim she’s made.”

He added: “A purely financial settlement is not anything that I think she is interested in.”

Read Liam James’ full story.

Virginia Giuffre ‘not interested in purely financial settlement’ with Prince Andrew

Will Prince Andrew face trial over Virginia Giuffre’s claims of sex abuse?

Thursday 13 January 2022 21:30 , Bevan Hurley

A federal judge in New York threw out a request by Prince Andrew to dismiss a civil lawsuit accusing him of having sex with a 17-year-old girl who was being sex-trafficked by late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, in a bombshell ruling that paves the way for the case to go to trial.

When will the trial begin?

Judge Kaplan has given a timeframe of between September and December 2022 for the trial to commence.

According to the judge’s scheduling order, both parties must disclose expert witnesses by 13 May and rebuttal witnesses one month later.

Discovery of evidence must be completed by 14 July and a joint pretrial proposal filed by 28 July, outlining whether the parties wish to proceed to a jury trial.

However, proceedings could be held up with delays. And Prince Andrew may seek to settle the case before it gets to trial.

Rachel Sharp explains what’s likely to come next.

Will Prince Andrew now face trial?

Princess Beatrice and Sarah Ferguson may be questioned in Prince Andrew’s sex assault case

Thursday 13 January 2022 22:00 , Bevan Hurley

Princess Beatrice and Sarah Ferguson could be questioned as part of Prince Andrew’s sexual assault case.

The Duke of York’s eldest daughter and ex-wife may be cross-examined on camera by Judge Lewis Kaplan after the Duke of York’s attempt to have the case dismissed was thrown out on Wednesday, meaning he faces trial in Virginia Giuffre’s lawsuit.

The 61-year-old has vehemently denied Ms Giuffre’s allegations she was forced to have sex with him more than two decades ago.

His legal team has been asked to supply evidence to support his claims he took Princess Beatrice to a Pizza Express restaurant in Woking, Surrey, on the night Ms Giuffre alleges he had sex with her.

Thomas Kingsley has more.

Princess Beatrice and Sarah Ferguson may be questioned in Andrew’ sex assault case

Andrew ‘sacked’ from Windsors as he drops HRH style like Harry and Meghan

Thursday 13 January 2022 22:30 , Bevan Hurley

The Duke of York is the third senior royal in two years to stop using his HRH style as the monarchy’s troubled times show no sign of abating.

Andrew is following in the footsteps of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex who dropped their HRH styles in 2020 after quitting their roles as working royals in the Megxit saga.

Former BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt said: “This is what a sacking looks like when you’re ninth in line to the British throne.”

Writing for The Spectator, Mr Hunt said: “Prince Andrew has been well and truly cut adrift. By his only family.

“From birth, he was styled His Royal Highness. He will go to his grave unencumbered by it. The removal of the style HRH, at the age of 61, will hurt a son of the Queen who doesn’t wear his royal status lightly.”

Read Laura Elston’s report for The Independent.

Andrew ‘sacked’ from Windsors as he drops HRH style like Harry and Meghan

Ghislaine Maxwell no longer fighting to keep names sealed from Virginia Giuffre’s lawsuit

Thursday 13 January 2022 23:00 , Bevan Hurley

Ghislaine Maxwell is no longer fighting to hide information – including eight names – from Virginia Giuffre’s lawsuit against her, Maxwell’s lawyers say.

Lawyers for Ms Giuffre, who has accused Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein of sexually abusing her, have long fought to unseal the names of eight “John Does” mentioned in their 2015 civil lawsuit. Maxwell’s attorneys pushed back, but on Thursday they appeared to give up the fight.

Nathan Place has the full story.

Ghislaine Maxwell no longer fighting to hide John Does’ real names

‘We don’t want to toast his health’

Thursday 13 January 2022 23:30 , Bevan Hurley

Former BBC Royal correspondent Jenny Bond said she was surprised to see Prince Andrew stripped of his military titles and patronages.

“Clearly pressure has been exerted on him, and pressure on the Queen was growing for some action because of the disquiet within the military, and people beginning to say ‘we don’t want to toast his health’ at the end of regimental dinners,” Ms Bond told the BBC.

“With the court procedures the way they are in the United States, this is going to roll on and on probably well into next year, thus overshadowing the Queen’s platinum jubilee year so that, I think, will be very much up in Prince Andrew’s mind.”

Buckingham Palace issued a statement on Thursday to say the Duke of York was handing back his titles and would fight a civil sexual assault lawsuit as a “private citizen”.

The Queen has stripped Prince Andrew of his military titles and patronages (Getty Images)
The Queen has stripped Prince Andrew of his military titles and patronages (Getty Images)

Prince Andrew has been stripped of his titles. What next for the Queen’s favourite son?

Friday 14 January 2022 00:08 , Bevan Hurley

“Thirty years ago, Queen Elizabeth delivered a speech that has gone down in history.

Speaking in November 1992 at the Guildhall in London, the address was to formally mark the 40th anniversary of her ascension to the throne. Under usual circumstances it might have been an occasion for the Queen to reflect on the moment, what she believed she had accomplished so far as Britain’s unelected head of state, and how she foresaw the years ahead. Yet they were not happy times for the Queen, or her children. In the preceding 12 months, three of them had separated from their partners.

Yet, all of these travails may appear as pale as freshly fallen snow in comparison to the challenges now facing Prince Andrew, 61, long said to have been the Queen’s favourite.”

Read Chief US Correspondent Andrew Buncombe’s piece for The Independent’s Voices.

Prince Andrew has been stripped of his titles. What now for the Queen’s favorite son?

Prince Andrew stripped of military titles after sexual abuse case moves to trial

Friday 14 January 2022 00:30 , Bevan Hurley

Prince Andrew has been stripped of his military titles, Buckingham Palace said in a statement released on Thursday.

The decision comes in the wake of a decision by a US judge to allow a civil sexual abuse case involving the Duke of York to move to trial.

Andrew denies all the allegations.

Read Tom Batchelor’s report here.

Queen strips Prince Andrew of military titles

‘This is a marathon not a sprint’, says source close to Prince Andrew

Friday 14 January 2022 01:00 , Bevan Hurley

Prince Andrew was “unsurprised” by a judge’s decision to allow Virginia Giuffre’s civil sexual assault case to move forward to trial, a source close to the royal says.

Judge Lewis Kaplan dismissed a motion by Andrew’s attorneys that a 2009 settlement deal between Ms Giuffre and Jeffrey Epstein absolved him of liabilty.

“Given the robustness with which Judge Kaplan greeted our arguments, we are unsurprised by the ruling. However, it was not a judgement on the merits of Ms Giuffre’s allegations,” the source said in a statement to The Independent.

“This is a marathon not a sprint and the Duke will continue to defend himself against these claims.”

It has long been said Prince Andrew is the favourite of the Queen’s four children (Getty Images)
It has long been said Prince Andrew is the favourite of the Queen’s four children (Getty Images)

So farewell, then, your not-so-royal highness

Friday 14 January 2022 01:30 , Bevan Hurley

“Goodness, the House of Windsor really can be ruthless when it wants to be. Or has to be, more like. Life comes fast at you when you live in comfortable seclusion in a variety of royal palaces. That princely platinum pudding, Prince Andrew is learning all about that the hard way…

On Wednesday, the Duke of York gets notice that he faces a civil sex case in New York. On Thursday he’s told to hand back his remaining patronages, honorific military titles, collection of fancy uniforms (tailored for the more portly figure) – even the title of “his royal highness” won’t be “used” any more. And him a prince-of-the-blood royal, indeed. They didn’t even do that to Edward VIII when he abdicated back in 1936. Quite a day.

Dramatic as the developments are, though, it’s all been coming for some time. The regiments and the public have had enough of him. Sorry, ma’am.”

Read Sean O’Grady’s piece for The Independent Voices here.

So farewell, then, your not-so-royal highness | Sean O’Grady

Will Prince Andrew face trial over Virginia Giuffre’s claims of sex abuse?

Friday 14 January 2022 02:00 , Bevan Hurley

A federal judge in New York threw out a request by Prince Andrew to dismiss a civil lawsuit accusing him of having sex with a 17-year-old girl who was being sex-trafficked by late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, in a bombshell ruling that paves the way for the case to go to trial.

When will the trial begin?

Judge Kaplan has given a timeframe of between September and December 2022 for the trial to commence.

According to the judge’s scheduling order, both parties must disclose expert witnesses by 13 May and rebuttal witnesses one month later.

Discovery of evidence must be completed by 14 July and a joint pretrial proposal filed by 28 July, outlining whether the parties wish to proceed to a jury trial.

However, proceedings could be held up with delays. And Prince Andrew may seek to settle the case before it gets to trial.

Rachel Sharp explains what’s likely to come next.

Will Prince Andrew now face trial?

Full list of military titles Prince Andrew has lost

Friday 14 January 2022 02:30 , Bevan Hurley

Prince Andrew has been stripped of his military titles, Buckingham Palace announced on Thursday.

The announcement came after more than 150 Royal Navy, RAF and Army veterans signed a letter asking for the Queen to relieve the prince Andrew of his military appointments.

The decision means Prince Andrew will lose the following titles:

  • Colonel of the Grenadier Guards

  • Honorary air commodore of RAF Lossiemouth

  • Colonel-in-chief of the Royal Irish Regiment

  • Colonel-in-chief of the Small Arms School Corps

  • Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm

  • Royal colonel of the Royal Highland Fusiliers

  • Deputy colonel-in-chief of The Royal Lancers (Queen Elizabeths’ Own)

  • Royal colonel of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Virginia Giuffre is not interested in purely financial settlement with Prince Andrew, lawyer says

Friday 14 January 2022 03:00 , Bevan Hurley

Virginia Giuffre is not interested in a “purely financial settlement” in her lawsuit against Prince Andrew, her lawyer has said.

David Boise, her attorney, said she was seeking to be “vindicated” in the case.

He told BBC Newsnight: “I don’t think that she is has a firm view at this point nor could she as to exactly what the resolution could be.

“I think what’s going to be important is that this resolution vindicates her and vindicates the claim she’s made.”

He added: “A purely financial settlement is not anything that I think she is interested in.”

Read Liam James’ full story.

Virginia Giuffre ‘not interested in purely financial settlement’ with Prince Andrew

‘This is really quite sad for the Queen’: Prominent figures react to news of Prince Andrew’s sex abuse trial

Friday 14 January 2022 03:30 , Bevan Hurley

A prominent British MP has said news that Prince Andrew will face a civil sexual assault case is “horrible” for the Queen to go through as she celebrates the 70th anniversary of her ascent to the throne.

Speaking to The Independent , Labour MP Diane Abbott said: “This is really quite sad for the queen in her platinum jubilee year.

“I wouldn’t want to say more than that. We will only know when the court case is completed. But it is a horrible thing to happen in the Queen’s jubilee year.”

The Independent’s Maya Oppenheim has the full story.

Prominent figures react to news of Prince Andrew’s sex abuse trial

Will Meghan Markle be called to speak at Andrew’s civil trial?

Friday 14 January 2022 04:00 , Bevan Hurley

Meghan Markle could be called as a witness in Prince Andrew’s sexual assault lawsuit, according to Virginia Giuffre’s attorney.

David Boise told The Daily Beast last month that Ms Markle may have “important knowledge” of allegations that Andrew abused his Ms Giuffre three times when she was 17.

Judge Lewis Kaplan ruled on Wednesday that Ms Giuffre’s civil lawsuit alleging she suffered battery and intentional emotional damage could move forward. Andrew has strongly denied the claims against him.

Read the full story here.

Will Meghan Markle be called to speak at Andrew’s civil trial?

Virginia Giuffre says Prince Andrew sex assault trial ‘a chance to expose the truth’

Friday 14 January 2022 04:45 , Stuti Mishra

Virginia Giuffre has said that the Prince Andrew sex assault trial will be “a chance to expose the truth” after a US judge allowed her case against the Queen’s son to proceed.

Her first comments on a federal judge’s decision to deny Andrews motion to dismiss her lawsuit comes after his military titles and royal patronages were stripped off by the Queen.

Virginia Giuffre vows to ‘expose the truth’ in Prince Andrew sex assault trial

What next for the Queen’s favourite son?

Friday 14 January 2022 05:30 , Stuti Mishra

Is 2022 going to be even worse for Queen and her favourite son than notorious ‘Annus horribilis’?

“Thirty years ago, Queen Elizabeth delivered a speech that has gone down in history.

Speaking in November 1992 at the Guildhall in London, the address was to formally mark the 40th anniversary of her ascension to the throne.

Under usual circumstances, it might have been an occasion for the Queen to reflect on the moment, what she believed she had accomplished so far as Britain’s unelected head of state, and how she foresaw the years ahead.

As it was, worse was to come for the royals and their public image following the death of Diana in a car crash in Paris in August 1997, an event to which the Queen was accused of responding coldly. Some were ready to write off the royal family.

Yet, all of these travails may appear as pale as freshly fallen snow in comparison to the challenges now facing Prince Andrew, 61, long said to have been the Queens’s favourite.”

Read Chief US Correspondent Andrew Buncombe’s piece for The Independent Voices here.

Prince Andrew has been stripped of his titles. What now for the Queen’s favorite son?

Prominent figures react to news of Prince Andrew’s sex abuse trial

Friday 14 January 2022 06:29 , Stuti Mishra

As the Duke of York has been stripped of his titles, prominent figures weighed in on the news with some calling it “horrible” news for the Queen and others calling it justice.

Mark Stephens, a media lawyer, has said Prince Andrew’s sexual assault trial could potentially spark a “constitutional crisis” for the royal family, adding the monarch has “no good options”.

Here are some of the reactions:

Prominent figures react to news of Prince Andrew’s sex abuse trial

Princess Beatrice and Sarah Ferguson may be questioned in Prince Andrew’s sex assault case

Friday 14 January 2022 07:15 , Stuti Mishra

Princess Beatrice and Sarah Ferguson could be questioned as part of Prince Andrew’s sexual assault case.

The Duke of York’s eldest daughter and ex-wife may be cross-examined on camera by Judge Lewis Kaplan after the Duke of York’s attempt to have the case dismissed was thrown out on Wednesday, meaning he faces trial in Virginia Giuffre’s lawsuit.

The 61-year-old has vehemently denied Ms Giuffre’s allegations she was forced to have sex with him more than two decades ago.

His legal team has been asked to supply evidence to support his claims he took Princess Beatrice to a Pizza Express restaurant in Woking, Surrey, on the night Ms Giuffre alleges he had sex with her.

Thomas Kingsley has more.

Princess Beatrice and Sarah Ferguson may be questioned in Andrew’ sex assault case

Prince Andrew’s civil case: What is alleged and what happens next?

Friday 14 January 2022 07:45 , Stuti Mishra

Prince Andrew has had a motion to dismiss the civil case against him denied by a judge in New York so what is alleged against the duke and what will happen next?

Ms Giuffre is suing Andrew in a civil case in New York alleging she was forced to have sex with Jeffrey Epstein’s friends, including the Duke of York, when she was 17.

The civil case will now move into a discovery phase where Andrew may have to sit for an interview under oath.

Prince Andrew strongly denies the allegations against him.

What happens next in Prince Andrew's civil case?

Prince Andrew may have to fund his own security

Friday 14 January 2022 08:18 , Holly Bancroft

Prince Andrew may be forced to fund his own security now that he has been stripped of his royal patronages, a former head of the royal protection unit has said.

The bill to the taxpayer for Prince Andrew’s annual security is said to be £2million.

Ex-head of the police royal protection unit, Chief superintendent Dai Davis, told the Daily Mail : “Whether (or not) he continues to use his titles, he remains the Queen’s son. Whether or not he is still afforded specialist protection will be based entirely around how serious intelligence suggests the threat level will be”.

He added: “If the threat level is low, then like junior royals and his own daughters he will have to fund protection himself. I think they will be very cautious until there has been a very thorough assessment and he will remain protected at least in the short term.”

Prince Charles and Prince William allegedly urged the Queen to strip Prince Andrew of his patronages

Friday 14 January 2022 08:30 , Holly Bancroft

Prince Charles and Prince William urged the Queen to strip Prince Andrew of his royal patronages in a summit-style meeting at Windsor, The Sun has reported.

The Queen reportedly made the decision after a meeting with her eldest son and the Duke of Cambridge.

Both Prince William and Prince Charles were said to be in complete agreement that Andrew must go. The Sun reported that the pair were “completely furious” after Prince Andrew “crossed a red line”.

Virginia Giuffre: ‘Rich & powerful are not above the law'

Friday 14 January 2022 08:45 , Holly Bancroft

The woman who is taking Prince Andrew to court with allegations of sexual assault has thanked the judge who rejected the royal’s attempt to have the lawsuit thrown out.

Virginia Giuffre tweeted: “I’m pleased with Judge Kaplan’s ruling yesterday that allows my case against Prince Andrew to go forward. I’m glad I will have the chance to continue to expose the truth & I am deeply grateful to my extraordinary legal team.

“Their determination helps me seek justice from those who hurt me and so many others. My goal has always been to show that the rich and powerful are not above the law & must be held accountable.

“I do not walk this path alone, but alongside countless other survivors of sexual abuse & trafficking.”

 (AP)
(AP)

What the papers say about the Queen stripping Prince Andrew of his titles

Friday 14 January 2022 09:20 , Holly Bancroft

Almost all of the UK’s national papers led on news that the Queen had stripped Prince Andrew of his royal titles.

The Daily Telegraph used a photo of the Prince being driven to Windsor Castle on its front page, with the headline: “Queen freezes out Andrew”.

The Daily Mail used the same photo, instead captioning it “Driven Out”. They described Prince Andrew’s demeanour as “haunted” and palace sources told the paper that the “ruthless and swift” decision had been “widely discussed” within the Royal Family.

The Times said Prince Andrew had been “humiliated” by the Queen’s decision.

And the Daily Express said that the Queen had “cast Andrew adrift for the sake of the monarchy”.

The Sun put this more succinctly with the headline: “Throne Out”.

ICYMI: Ghislaine Maxwell no longer fighting to keep names sealed from Giuffre’s lawsuit

Friday 14 January 2022 09:31 , Holly Bancroft

Ghislaine Maxwell is no longer fighting to hide information - including eight names - from Virginia Giuffre’s lawsuit against her, Maxwell’s lawyers have said.

Lawyers from Ms Giuffre have long fought to unseal the names of eight “John Does” mentioned in their 2015 civil lawsuit.

It is not known whether Prince Andrew is one of the John Does in the 2015 case.

Read the latest from Nathan Place in New York:

Ghislaine Maxwell no longer fighting to hide John Does’ real names

Prince Charles and Prince William allegedly behind the Queen’s decision

Friday 14 January 2022 10:26 , Holly Bancroft

Prince Charles and his son Prince William are reportedly behind the Queen’s decision to strip Prince Andrew of his titles and royal patronages.

During an hour-long summit, both Charles and William were in complete agreement that Andrew must go, according to The Sun.

The paper reported that Prince William was a key figure in the judgement and helped the Queen realise that Andrew’s position was “grave”.

Prince Charles and Prince William were described as “instrumental” in the decision by the Daily Mail, with one source telling the news outlet: “This is about the survival of the institution at all costs. Always has been and always will be.”

They said: “It was a ruthless ad swift decision which will have been recommended by the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge and sanctioned by the Queen.”

Read Virginia Giuffre’s comments in full

Friday 14 January 2022 10:40 , Holly Bancroft

Government minister refuses to confirm if taxpayers will still fund Prince Andrew’s security

Friday 14 January 2022 11:00 , Press Association

Security minister Damian Hinds was unable to confirm if the taxpayer will still fund Prince Andrew’s protection officers in an interview with LBC this morning.

Speaking on the radio station, Mr Hinds said: “Our security forces, the police and others, do what they judge is necessary to protect our country, to protect people in it.”

He said it is a “long-standing – and I think correct – principle that we don’t talk about who and how in particular”.

When pushed, he said: “I know this is going to come across to you possibly, and possibly to some listeners, like me obfuscating and avoiding the question, and I suppose maybe even in some ways it is avoiding the question, but only because it is right to say that the police and our wider security forces do what is right and proportionate to protect the people of this country.

“And we don’t publicise exactly what that covers.”

The question of taxpayer-funded security for non-working royals was last raised when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down.

When Harry and Meghan made public their decision early last year, their website suggested that the Home Office, through the Metropolitan Police, should continue to provide protection for the couple and their young son, Archie.

But former Home Office minister Norman Baker called at the time for Scotland Yard to cap the annual expenditure on security for the couple to its 2019 level.

The Sussexes later signed multimillion-pound deals with Netflix and Spotify, with the duke telling Oprah Winfrey he had secured them to pay for his security.

Calls to cut Prince Andrew’s connections to the City of York

Friday 14 January 2022 11:20 , Holly Bancroft

A senior member of the City of York council has started a campaign to strip Prince Andrew of his Duke of York title following the removal of his honorary military roles by the Queen.

Darryl Smalley, Liberal Democrat executive member for culture, leisure and communities at the council, said: “York’s unique connection to the crown and the monarch is an important part of our city’s legacy, history and a great source of pride.

“No-one is above the law and all allegations should rightly be fully investigated, particularly following the recent distressing court cases.

“We stand with all victims, whose harrowing stories have shocked us all in recent months.

“Whilst Prince Andrew remains innocent until proven guilty, Buckingham Palace and the Government must consider the implications of these troubling allegations moving forward.

“Having been stripped of his military roles and royal patronages by the Queen, he should also now relinquish his title as Duke of York.”

MP for York Central Rachael Maskell backed the campaign saying: “It’s untenable for the Duke of York to cling onto his title another day longer; this association with York must end.”

Calls to cut Prince Andrew’s Duke of York title

Press Association contributed to this report

Prince Andrew court case a ‘marathon not a sprint’, source says

Friday 14 January 2022 12:03 , Holly Bancroft

Prince Andrew will continue to defend himself against a “marathon” court case brought by Virginia Giuffre, Sun online has reported.

A source close to the Duke told the news outlet that “given the robustness with which Judge Kaplan greeted our arguments, we are unsurprised by the ruling.”

They added: “However it was not a judgement on the merits of Ms Giuffre’s allegations. This is a marathon not a sprint and the Duke will continue to defend himself against these claims.”

Which British royals have lost their titles?

Friday 14 January 2022 12:24 , Holly Bancroft

Prince Andrew has been stripped of his honorary military roles by the Queen and will no longer use his HRH title in an official capacity in the wake of his civil sexual assault case.

Read about which other British royals have lost their titles in this piece by Tom Batchelor:

Which British royals have lost their titles?

What’s next for the Queen’s favourite son?

Friday 14 January 2022 12:40 , Holly Bancroft

As Prince Andrew now faces a life outside the royal family, stripped of his military roles and his titles, what’s next for him and his family?

Chief US correspondent Andrew Buncombe reports on how this current saga might affect the royals.

Read here:

Prince Andrew has been stripped of his titles. What now for the Queen’s favorite son?

ICYMI: Princess Beatrice and Sarah Ferguson may be questioned in Andrew’s court case

Friday 14 January 2022 13:01 , Holly Bancroft

Princess Beatrice and her mother Sarah Ferguson could face questioning as part of Prince Andrew’s sexual assault case, it has been reported.

Andrew’s legal team has been asked to supply evidence to support his claims that he took Princess Beatrice to a Pizza Express restaurant in Woking, Surrey, on the night Ms Giuffre alleges he had sex with her.

Both Princess Beatrice and Sarah Ferguson could face questioning about that evening and the following days.

Read the full story from Thomas Kingsley here:

Princess Beatrice and Sarah Ferguson may be questioned in Andrew’ sex assault case

Army figures tell of ‘widespread relief’ as Andrew stripped of titles, report says

Friday 14 January 2022 14:01 , Holly Bancroft

Military chiefs have reacted to the news that Prince Andrew has been stripped of his honorary titles.

A former Chief of the General Staff spoke to the Daily Mail on the condition of anonymity of the “widespread relief” across the Army, adding: “It was the right move at the right time and undoubtedly senior officers will be breathing a sign of relief. Her Majesty acted appropriately”.

Rear Admiral Chris Parry, who flew with Andrew, said: “This was an expected development. He is a former colleague and a veteran, so it is shocking, particularly for those who served in the South Atlantic, that it has come to this.”

He added: “At any time one should not speak ill of a comrade.”

Tobias Ellwood MP, chairman of the Commons defence committee, said: “It was important Prince Andrew’s problems didn’t bleed over into these regiments and units. I think it was necessary to protect these organisations.”

Virginia Giuffre says Prince Andrew sex assault trial ‘a chance to expose the truth’

Friday 14 January 2022 14:44 , Bevan Hurley

Virginia Giuffre has said that the Prince Andrew sex assault trial will be “a chance to expose the truth” after a US judge allowed her case against the Queen’s son to proceed.

Her first comments on a federal judge’s decision to deny Andrews motion to dismiss her lawsuit comes after his military titles and royal patronages were stripped off by the Queen.

Ms Giuffre addressed the matter in a string of tweets on Thursday night, saying she was “pleased” that the case would move to trial.

“I’m pleased with Judge Kaplan’s ruling yesterday that allows my case against Prince Andrew to go forward. I’m glad I will have the chance to continue to expose the truth & I am deeply grateful to my extraordinary legal team,” she wrote on Twitter.

Graeme Massie has the full story.

Virginia Giuffre vows to ‘expose the truth’ in Prince Andrew sex assault trial

‘This association with York must end’: Calls for Prince Andrew to be stripped of duke title

Friday 14 January 2022 15:15 , Bevan Hurley

Prince Andrew is facing a mounting calls that he should be stripped of his Duke of York title from political leaders in the city.

York Central MP Rachel Maskell said it was “untenable” for Andrew to “cling onto his title another day longer”.

“There’s a very serious allegation made against this man of privilege & entitlement. I’m working with agencies to tackle sexual violence & misogyny,” adding the hashtag #NotInYorksName.

Andrew, 61, was relieved of his military titles and patronages on Thursday and will no longer be called His Royal Highness.

Virginia Giuffre has taken a civil sexual assault lawsuit in the United States alleging she was trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein and ordered to have sex with the duke when she was 17 years old.

Andrew denies the allegations.

Minister refuses to say if Prince Andrew will lose his taxpayer-funded security

Friday 14 January 2022 15:30 , Bevan Hurley

UK Security Minister Damian Hinds has refused to confirm whether British taxpayers will continue to pay for Prince Andrew’s personal security detail.

Andrew, 61, was stripped of his military titles, can no longer call himself His Royal Highness, and will fight a civil sexual assault case as a “private citizen”, Buckingham Palace announced on Thursday.

Speaking on LBC talk radio, Mr Hinds said: “Our security forces, the police and others, do what they judge is necessary to protect our country, to protect people in it.”

He said it was a long-standing principle that the Government did not release details about the protection of public figures.

When pressed by host Nick Ferrari, he said: “I know this is going to come across to you possibly, and possibly to some listeners, like me obfuscating and avoiding the question, and I suppose maybe even in some ways it is avoiding the question, but only because it is right to say that the police and our wider security forces do what is right and proportionate to protect the people of this country.

“And we don’t publicise exactly what that covers.”

In an interview in 2021, Prince Harry revealed he lost his publicly-funded security team when he and Meghan Markle stepped down from royal duties the previous year.

Prince Andrew has been stripped of his military titles (AFP via Getty Images)
Prince Andrew has been stripped of his military titles (AFP via Getty Images)

Virginia Giuffre says Prince Andrew sex assault trial ‘a chance to expose the truth’

Friday 14 January 2022 16:11 , Bevan Hurley

Virginia Giuffre has said that the Prince Andrew sex assault trial will be “a chance to expose the truth” after a US judge allowed her case against the Queen’s son to proceed.

Her first comments on a federal judge’s decision to deny Andrews motion to dismiss her lawsuit comes after his military titles and royal patronages were stripped off by the Queen.

Ms Giuffre addressed the matter in a string of tweets on Thursday night, saying she was “pleased” that the case would move to trial.

“I’m pleased with Judge Kaplan’s ruling yesterday that allows my case against Prince Andrew to go forward. I’m glad I will have the chance to continue to expose the truth & I am deeply grateful to my extraordinary legal team,” she wrote on Twitter.

Graeme Massie has the full story.

Virginia Giuffre vows to ‘expose the truth’ in Prince Andrew sex assault trial

The threads of privilege and disgrace that connect Boris Johnson and Prince Andrew

Friday 14 January 2022 16:30 , Bevan Hurley

“Britain’s two most powerful institutions are teetering — and the reason should be obvious for all to see,” writes chief US correspondent Andrew Buncombe for Independent Voices.

“There is nothing that connects Boris Johnson to the alleged assault upon Giuffre, or indeed anything to connect Andrew to the prime minister’s apparent breach of Covid lockdown rules.

“Except, perhaps, in the manner in which they responded to the claims once they were made.”

Read the full story here.

The threads of privilege and disgrace that connect Boris Johnson and Prince Andrew

Ghislaine Maxwell no longer fighting to keep names sealed from Virginia Giuffre’s lawsuit

Friday 14 January 2022 16:45 , Bevan Hurley

Ghislaine Maxwell is no longer fighting to hide information – including eight names – from Virginia Giuffre’s lawsuit against her, her lawyers say.

Lawyers for Ms Giuffre, who has accused Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein of sexually abusing her, have long fought to unseal the names of eight “John Does” mentioned in their 2015 civil lawsuit. Maxwell’s attorneys pushed back, but on Thursday they appeared to give up the fight.

The Independent’s Nathan Place has more.

Ghislaine Maxwell no longer fighting to hide John Does’ real names

Prince Charles ignores questions about scandal engulfing Duke of York

Friday 14 January 2022 17:19 , Bevan Hurley

Prince Charles declined to comment about the Duke of York’s exile from the royal family during a public appearance in Scotland on Friday.

Charles was reportedly “instrumental” in convincing the Queen to effectively cast his brother Andrew out of the royal family and strip him of his military titles.

A Sky News reporter asked Charles about the scandal engulfing his brother Andrew as he visited the Haddo Estate in Aberdeenshire, which was hit by tropical cyclone Storm Arwen late last year.

“Can I ask your view on your brother’s position?” correspondent James Matthews asked.

Charles offered no response, instead continuing to speak to residents who had been impacted by the storm.

Meanwhile, The Times reports that Andrew’s legal team could hear as soon as this weekend whether Sarah Ferguson and Prince Beatrice will face questioning from Ms Giuffre’s lawyers.

The Prince of Wales visited the Haddo Estate in Aberdeenshire to see the damage caused by Storm Arwen on Friday (Kami Thomson/DCT Media/PA)
The Prince of Wales visited the Haddo Estate in Aberdeenshire to see the damage caused by Storm Arwen on Friday (Kami Thomson/DCT Media/PA)

ICYMI: Prince Andrew sexual abuse case can move ahead to trial, judge rules

Friday 14 January 2022 17:45 , Bevan Hurley

Prince Andrew faces the prospect of a civil trial over accusations that he sexually abused Virginia Roberts Giuffre when she was underage after a judge denied his attempt to have her lawsuit dismissed.

This week’s decision is a huge blow for the Duke of York, whose lawyer had claimed a confidential settlement with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein should absolve him of liability.

It paves the way for Ms Giuffre’s lawyers to enter into a protracted discovery and deposition phase that could draw in other members of the royal family.

A trial could begin between September and December, although it is not yet clear if the royal will have to travel to the United States or be required to give evidence another way.

Read the full story.

Sexual abuse case against Prince Andrew can move ahead to trial, judge rules

Is Prince Andrew still in the line of succession?

Friday 14 January 2022 18:15 , Bevan Hurley

Prince Andrew remains in line to the British throne despite being stripped of his HRH style and honorary military roles.

The Duke is ninth in the line of succession.

First in line to the throne is Prince Charles, followed by Prince William. William’s three children come next; George, Charlotte, and then Louis.

The Duke of Sussex is next in line, followed by his son Archie and his daughter Lilibet. Andrew is next in line after Lilibet.

Kate Ng explains more below.

Is Prince Andrew still in line to the throne?

Virginia Giuffre says Prince Andrew sex assault trial ‘a chance to expose the truth’

Friday 14 January 2022 18:45 , Bevan Hurley

Virginia Giuffre has said that the Prince Andrew sex assault trial will be “a chance to expose the truth” after a US judge allowed her case against the Queen’s son to proceed.

Her first comments on a federal judge’s decision to deny Andrews motion to dismiss her lawsuit comes after his military titles and royal patronages were stripped off by the Queen.

Ms Giuffre addressed the matter in a string of tweets on Thursday night, saying she was “pleased” that the case would move to trial.

“I’m pleased with Judge Kaplan’s ruling yesterday that allows my case against Prince Andrew to go forward. I’m glad I will have the chance to continue to expose the truth & I am deeply grateful to my extraordinary legal team,” she wrote on Twitter.

Graeme Massie has the full story.

Virginia Giuffre vows to ‘expose the truth’ in Prince Andrew sex assault trial

So farewell, then, your not-so-royal highness

Friday 14 January 2022 19:15 , Bevan Hurley

“Goodness, the House of Windsor really can be ruthless when it wants to be. Or has to be, more like. Life comes fast at you when you live in comfortable seclusion in a variety of royal palaces. That princely platinum pudding, Prince Andrew is learning all about that the hard way…

On Wednesday, the Duke of York gets notice that he faces a civil sex case in New York. On Thursday he’s told to hand back his remaining patronages, honorific military titles, collection of fancy uniforms (tailored for the more portly figure) – even the title of “his royal highness” won’t be “used” any more. And him a prince-of-the-blood royal, indeed. They didn’t even do that to Edward VIII when he abdicated back in 1936. Quite a day.

Dramatic as the developments are, though, it’s all been coming for some time. The regiments and the public have had enough of him. Sorry, ma’am.”

Read Sean O’Grady’s piece for The Independent Voices here.

So farewell, then, your not-so-royal highness | Sean O’Grady

Friday 14 January 2022 19:45 , Bevan Hurley

Will Prince Andrew face trial over Virginia Giuffre’s claims of sex abuse?

A federal judge in New York threw out a request by Prince Andrew to dismiss a civil lawsuit accusing him of having sex with a 17-year-old girl who was being sex-trafficked by late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, in a bombshell ruling that paves the way for the case to go to trial.

When will the trial begin?

Judge Kaplan has given a timeframe of between September and December 2022 for the trial to commence.

According to the judge’s scheduling order, both parties must disclose expert witnesses by 13 May and rebuttal witnesses one month later.

Discovery of evidence must be completed by 14 July and a joint pretrial proposal filed by 28 July, outlining whether the parties wish to proceed to a jury trial.

However, proceedings could be held up with delays. And Prince Andrew may seek to settle the case before it gets to trial.

Rachel Sharp explains what’s likely to come next.

Will Prince Andrew now face trial?

Virginia Giuffre says Prince Andrew sex assault trial ‘a chance to expose the truth’

Friday 14 January 2022 20:15 , Bevan Hurley

Virginia Giuffre has said that the Prince Andrew sex assault trial will be “a chance to expose the truth” after a US judge allowed her case against the Queen’s son to proceed.

Her first comments on a federal judge’s decision to deny Andrews motion to dismiss her lawsuit comes after his military titles and royal patronages were stripped off by the Queen.

Ms Giuffre addressed the matter in a string of tweets on Thursday night, saying she was “pleased” that the case would move to trial.

“I’m pleased with Judge Kaplan’s ruling yesterday that allows my case against Prince Andrew to go forward. I’m glad I will have the chance to continue to expose the truth & I am deeply grateful to my extraordinary legal team,” she wrote on Twitter.

Graeme Massie has the full story.

Virginia Giuffre vows to ‘expose the truth’ in Prince Andrew sex assault trial

Prince Andrew: Which British royals have lost their titles?

Friday 14 January 2022 20:45 , Bevan Hurley

The Duke of York is not the first royal to lose his official role and titles.

Prince Harry, the queen’s grandson, and his American wife, Meghan, quit royal duties to forge new careers in Los Angeles in January 2020.

In the process, they too were stripped of all their patronages, the ‘His and Her Royal Highness’ titles, and Harry also lost his military roles.

Princess Diana, Harry’s late mother, also lost the title Her Royal Highness, when her divorce from Prince Charles was finalised in 1996 – a year before she died.

Further back in royal history, when King Edward VIII relinquished the throne in 1936 to marry American divorcée Wallis Simpson, he reverted to the style of Prince Edward, and was given the title, Duke of Windsor.

Tom Batchelor has the full story.

Which British royals have lost their titles?

Princess Beatrice and Sarah Ferguson may be questioned in Prince Andrew’s sex assault case

Friday 14 January 2022 21:15 , Bevan Hurley

Princess Beatrice and Sarah Ferguson could be questioned as part of Prince Andrew’s sexual assault case.

His legal team has been asked to supply evidence to support his claims he took Princess Beatrice to a Pizza Express restaurant in Woking, Surrey, on the night Virginia Giuffre alleges he had sex with her.

Both Princess Beatrice and Sarah Ferguson could face questioning about that evening and the following days, the Times reported.

Thomas Kingsley has more.

Princess Beatrice and Sarah Ferguson may be questioned in Andrew’ sex assault case

Will Meghan Markle be called to speak at Andrew’s civil trial?

Friday 14 January 2022 21:45 , Bevan Hurley

Meghan Markle could be called as a witness in Prince Andrew’s sexual assault lawsuit, according to Virginia Giuffre’s attorney.

David Boise told The Daily Beast last month that Ms Markle may have “important knowledge” of allegations that Andrew abused his Ms Giuffre three times when she was 17.

“She is somebody we can count on to tell the truth,” Mr Boies said.

Read the full story here.

Will Meghan Markle be called to speak at Andrew’s civil trial?

Girls don’t go quietly anymore – they become women with a voice

Friday 14 January 2022 22:00 , Bevan Hurley

Girls are supposed to disappear – not grow into smart, together women who live in a time of unprecedented access to instant communication tools such as social media platforms, writes Katy Brand for Independent Voices.

Girls don’t go quietly anymore – they become women with a voice | Katy Brand

ICYMI: Prince Andrew’s Newsnight interview was ‘jaw-dropping’, says presenter Emily Maitlis

Friday 14 January 2022 22:15 , Bevan Hurley

BBC journalist Emily Maitlis has given a behind-the-scenes account of what she called a “jaw-dropping” interview she conducted with Prince Andrew in 2019.

It comes after a New York judge decided to allow Virginia Giuffre to pursue her civil case against the Duke of York.

In a BBC article, the Newsnight presenter detailed how the prince told her in advance about some of the claims in the 2019 interview – including the moment he said he was unable to sweat.

“At the time, the specifics seemed almost comical,” Ms Maitlis said. “But now, suddenly, they feel deadly serious.”

Read the full report here.

Prince Andrew’s Newsnight interview was ‘jaw-dropping’, says presenter Emily Maitlis

Palace faces calls to strip Prince Andrew of dukedom after loss of military titles

Friday 14 January 2022 22:45 , Bevan Hurley

Buckingham Palace is facing calls to strip Prince Andrew of his dukedom over the sexual assualt allegations against him.

His public position came under further scrutiny after the Queen removed his military titles and royal patronages on Thursday.

Prince Charles was reportedly instrumental in the decision to strip Andrew of his roles, which was made ahead of developments in his lawsuit that threatened to damage the monarchy.

A campaign has been launched by a senior member of York City Council which seeks to remove Andrew’s title linking him to the city.

And UK Security Minister Damian Hinds refused to confirm whether Andrew would continue to receive state security after calls for him to pay to protect himself.

Liam James has the full story.

Buckingham Palace faces calls to strip Prince Andrew of dukedom

So farewell, then, your not-so-royal highness

Friday 14 January 2022 23:15 , Bevan Hurley

“Goodness, the House of Windsor really can be ruthless when it wants to be. Or has to be, more like. Life comes fast at you when you live in comfortable seclusion in a variety of royal palaces. That princely platinum pudding, Prince Andrew is learning all about that the hard way…

On Wednesday, the Duke of York gets notice that he faces a civil sex case in New York. On Thursday he’s told to hand back his remaining patronages, honorific military titles, collection of fancy uniforms (tailored for the more portly figure) – even the title of “his royal highness” won’t be “used” any more. And him a prince-of-the-blood royal, indeed. They didn’t even do that to Edward VIII when he abdicated back in 1936. Quite a day.

Dramatic as the developments are, though, it’s all been coming for some time. The regiments and the public have had enough of him. Sorry, ma’am.”

Read Sean O’Grady’s piece for The Independent Voices here.

So farewell, then, your not-so-royal highness | Sean O’Grady

Denise Welch describes ‘personal beef’ with Prince Andrew over alleged Princess Diana comments

Friday 14 January 2022 23:45 , Bevan Hurley

British television personality Denise Welch has admitted to having “personal beef” with Prince Andrew over disparaging remarks he allegedly made about Princess Diana.

Discussing the news on Loose Women on Friday, Welch admitted that she had “personal beef” with the royal over comments he allegedly made about the Princess of Wales when they met.

“I’ve met him on a few occasions. He really, really upset me once in the way he spoke about his late sister-in-law Diana with such disdain, in front of a group of people such as me, who he didn’t know from a bar of soap,” she said.

“I was horrified by it because it wasn’t really long after [her death].”

Isobel Lewis has the full story.

Denise Welch says she has ‘beef’ with Prince Andrew over ‘Princess Diana comments’

The threads of privilege and disgrace that connect Boris Johnson and Prince Andrew

Saturday 15 January 2022 00:15 , Bevan Hurley

“Britain’s two most powerful institutions are teetering — and the reason should be obvious for all to see,” writes chief US correspondent Andrew Buncombe for Independent Voices.

“There is nothing that connects Boris Johnson to the alleged assault upon Giuffre, or indeed anything to connect Andrew to the prime minister’s apparent breach of Covid lockdown rules.

“Except, perhaps, in the manner in which they responded to the claims once they were made.”

Read the full story here.

Prince Andrew has been stripped of his titles. What now for the Queen’s favorite son?

Virginia Giuffre says Prince Andrew sex assault trial ‘a chance to expose the truth’

Saturday 15 January 2022 00:45 , Bevan Hurley

Virginia Giuffre has said that the Prince Andrew sex assault trial will be “a chance to expose the truth” after a US judge allowed her case against the Queen’s son to proceed.

Her first comments on a federal judge’s decision to deny Andrews motion to dismiss her lawsuit comes after his military titles and royal patronages were stripped off by the Queen.

Ms Giuffre addressed the matter in a string of tweets on Thursday night, saying she was “pleased” that the case would move to trial.

“I’m pleased with Judge Kaplan’s ruling yesterday that allows my case against Prince Andrew to go forward. I’m glad I will have the chance to continue to expose the truth & I am deeply grateful to my extraordinary legal team,” she wrote on Twitter.

Graeme Massie has the full story.

Virginia Giuffre vows to ‘expose the truth’ in Prince Andrew sex assault trial

What’s next for the Queen’s favourite son?

Saturday 15 January 2022 01:15 , Bevan Hurley

As Prince Andrew now faces a life outside the royal family, stripped of his military roles and his titles, what’s next for him and his family?

Chief US correspondent Andrew Buncombe reports on how this current saga might affect the royals.

Read his story here.

Prince Andrew has been stripped of his titles. What now for the Queen’s favorite son?

Which other British royals have lost their titles?

Saturday 15 January 2022 01:45 , Bevan Hurley

Prince Andrew has been stripped of his honorary military roles by the Queen and will no longer use his HRH title in an official capacity in the wake of his civil sexual assault case.

Read about which other British royals have lost their titles in this piece by Tom Batchelor:

Which British royals have lost their titles?

Prince Charles ignores questions about scandal engulfing Duke of York

Saturday 15 January 2022 02:15 , Bevan Hurley

Prince Charles declined to comment about the Duke of York’s exile from the royal family during a public appearance in Scotland on Friday.

Charles was reportedly “instrumental” in convincing the Queen to effectively cast his brother Andrew out of the royal family and strip him of his military titles.

A Sky News reporter asked Charles about the scandal engulfing his brother Andrew as he visited the Haddo Estate in Aberdeenshire, which was hit by tropical cyclone Storm Arwen late last year.

“Can I ask your view on your brother’s position?” correspondent James Matthews asked.

Charles offered no response, instead continuing to speak to residents who had been impacted by the storm.

Meanwhile, The Times reports that Andrew’s legal team could hear as soon as this weekend whether Sarah Ferguson and Prince Beatrice will face questioning from Ms Giuffre’s lawyers.

The Prince of Wales known as the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland, refused to answer questions about his brother (Kami Thomson/DCT Media/PA Wire)
The Prince of Wales known as the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland, refused to answer questions about his brother (Kami Thomson/DCT Media/PA Wire)

Will Prince Andrew face trial over Virginia Giuffre’s claims of sex abuse?

Saturday 15 January 2022 02:45 , Bevan Hurley

A federal judge in New York threw out a request by Prince Andrew to dismiss a civil lawsuit accusing him of having sex with a 17-year-old girl who was being sex-trafficked by late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, in a bombshell ruling that paves the way for the case to go to trial.

When will the trial begin?

Judge Kaplan has given a timeframe of between September and December 2022 for the trial to commence.

According to the judge’s scheduling order, both parties must disclose expert witnesses by 13 May and rebuttal witnesses one month later.

Discovery of evidence must be completed by 14 July and a joint pretrial proposal filed by 28 July, outlining whether the parties wish to proceed to a jury trial.

However, proceedings could be held up with delays. And Prince Andrew may seek to settle the case before it gets to trial.

Rachel Sharp explains what’s likely to come next.

Will Prince Andrew now face trial?

Denise Welch describes ‘personal beef’ with Prince Andrew over alleged Princess Diana comments

Saturday 15 January 2022 03:15 , Bevan Hurley

British television personality Denise Welch has admitted to having “personal beef” with Prince Andrew over disparaging remarks he allegedly made about Princess Diana.

Discussing the news on Loose Women on Friday, Welch admitted that she had “personal beef” with the royal over comments he allegedly made about the Princess of Wales when they met.

“I’ve met him on a few occasions. He really, really upset me once in the way he spoke about his late sister-in-law Diana with such disdain, in front of a group of people such as me, who he didn’t know from a bar of soap,” she said.

“I was horrified by it because it wasn’t really long after [her death].”

Isobel Lewis has the full story.

Denise Welch says she has ‘beef’ with Prince Andrew over ‘Princess Diana comments’

Girls don’t go quietly anymore – they become women with a voice

Saturday 15 January 2022 03:45 , Bevan Hurley

Girls are supposed to disappear – not grow into smart, together women who live in a time of unprecedented access to instant communication tools such as social media platforms, writes Katy Brand for Independent Voices.

Girls don’t go quietly anymore – they become women with a voice | Katy Brand

Will Meghan Markle be called to speak at Andrew’s civil trial?

Saturday 15 January 2022 04:15 , Bevan Hurley

Meghan Markle could be called as a witness in Prince Andrew’s sexual assault lawsuit, according to Virginia Giuffre’s attorney.

David Boise told The Daily Beast last month that Ms Markle may have “important knowledge” of allegations that Andrew abused his Ms Giuffre three times when she was 17.

“She is somebody we can count on to tell the truth,” Mr Boies said.

Read the full story here.

Will Meghan Markle be called to speak at Andrew’s civil trial?

Buckingham Palace move called ‘brutal’ by royal commentator

Saturday 15 January 2022 05:55 , Maroosha Muzaffar

After Buckingham Palace announced that Prince Andrew has been stripped of his military titles and that he shall now defend the civil suit against him as a “private citizen, the rotal commentator Peter Hunt said that the move was “brutal.”

Mr Hunt tweeted: “Brutal. The Windsors have shown that when the institution is under threat, dynastic preservation trumps flesh and blood.”

Prince Andrew has returned his military appointments and patronages “with the Queen’s approval and agreement” and will no longer be known as His Royal Highness.

Giuffre seeks testimony from Prince Andrew's former assistant

Saturday 15 January 2022 06:20 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Virginia Giuffre has sought testimony from Prince Andrew’s former assistant, claiming that he might have “relevant information.”

Lawyers representing Ms Giuffre said that they have “reason to believe” that the prince’s ex-assistant, Robert Olney, has “relevant information” about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

The attorneys said in the court papers that they would like to question Mr Olney about “any communications with or regarding plaintiff, to or from any of Jeffrey Epstein’s homes.”

Ghislaine Maxwell to be sentenced for sex trafficking in June

Saturday 15 January 2022 08:41 , Thomas Kingsley

A late-June sentencing date was set Friday for British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell after her conviction last month on charges including sex trafficking and conspiracy relating to the recruitment of teenage girls for financier Jeffrey Epstein to sexually abuse.

U.S. District Judge Alison J. Nathan announced the June 28 date even as she waits to resolve defense claims that a new trial should be ordered after a juror’s public admissions after the verdict about his childhood sexual abuse.

Read the full story below:

Ghislaine Maxwell to be sentenced for sex trafficking in June

Palace faces calls to strip Prince Andrew of dukedom after loss of military titles

Saturday 15 January 2022 09:18 , Thomas Kingsley

Buckingham Palace is facing calls to strip Prince Andrew of his dukedom over the sexual assualt allegations against him.

His public position came under further scrutiny after the Queen removed his military titles and royal patronages on Thursday.

Prince Charles was reportedly instrumental in the decision to strip Andrew of his roles, which was made ahead of developments in his lawsuit that threatened to damage the monarchy.

Our reporter, Liam James, has the full story:

Buckingham Palace faces calls to strip Prince Andrew of dukedom

ICYMI: Virginia Giuffre’s reaction to Prince Andrew case going forward

Saturday 15 January 2022 09:40 , Thomas Kingsley

Virginia Giuffre said she was pleased that she will “have the chance to continue to expose the truth” in her first reaction following Judge Lewis Kaplan’s ruling on the Prince Andrew case.

She thanked her incredible legal team and said her goal to ensure the rich and powerful are held to account.

“I do not walk this path alone, but alongside countless other survivors of sexual abuse & trafficking,” Ms Giuffre said.

Queen won’t risk bailing out Prince Andrew, say royal experts

Saturday 15 January 2022 10:29 , Thomas Kingsley

The Queen will not bail out the Duke of York to help to fund a financial settlement with Virginia Giuffre, according to royal experts.

The Times reported Ingrid Seward, the royal biographer, believes that providing him with money would be too damaging to the Queen’s reputation and that she would rather leave him to face the allegations in court.

The Queen celebrates her Platinum Jubilee this summer in a time where Princess Beatrice and Sarah Ferguson could face questioning in the case.

David McClure, who has written books about royal finances, believes the prince would not have enough money to cover a settlement himself. He said that the recent sale by the duke of a chalet in Verbier, the Swiss ski resort, has revealed him to be “extremely cash poor”.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Prince Andrew fears financial ruin amid sex case

Saturday 15 January 2022 11:41 , Thomas Kingsley

Elsewhere its been reported that Prince Andrew now fears “financial ruin” as it now looks increasingly likely that the sexual assault case against him will go trial.

The Daily Mirror reported that Andrew was locked in talks with his teams of lawyers in the UK and US on Friday as they waited for Ms Giuffre’s team to respond to a 6pm deadline about her living arrangements.

He faces mounting legal bills as well as a possible £10 million settlement with his accuser Virginia Giuffre, however her legal team insist she is not interested in financial recompense, while Ms Giuffre said, following Judge Kaplan’s ruling, that she wants the truth to be exposed.

 (Getty)
(Getty)

Is Prince Andrew still in line to the throne?

Saturday 15 January 2022 12:15 , Thomas Kingsley

The Duke of York has dropped his HRH style, which means he will no longer be able to use it in any official capacity.

The development will also see Prince Andrew, Queen Elizabeth II’s third child, stripped of his military titles and royal patronages.

But what does that mean for the line to throne and Prince Andrew’s place in it.

Our reporter, Kate Ng, has the full story below:

Is Prince Andrew still in line to the throne?

ICYMI: Palace faces calls to strip Prince Andrew of dukedom after loss of military titles

Saturday 15 January 2022 13:00 , Thomas Kingsley

The city of York no longer wants connection with royal as assault case progresses.

Buckingham Palace is facing calls to strip Prince Andrew of his dukedom over the sexual assualt allegations against him.

His public position came under further scrutiny after the Queen removed his military titles and royal patronages on Thursday.

Prince Charles was reportedly instrumental in the decision to strip Andrew of his roles, which was made ahead of developments in his lawsuit that threatened to damage the monarchy.

Our reporter, Liam James, has the full story below:

Buckingham Palace faces calls to strip Prince Andrew of dukedom

Denise Welch describes ‘personal beef’ with Prince Andrew over alleged Princess Diana comments

Saturday 15 January 2022 13:41 , Thomas Kingsley

Denise Welch has admitted to having “personal beef” with Prince Andrew over disparaging remarks he allegedly made about Princess Diana.

Discussing the news of Prince Andrew’s losing his military titles on Loose Women on Friday (14 January), Welch admitted that she had “personal beef” with the royal over comments he allegedly made about the Princess of Wales when they met.

“I’ve met him on a few occasions. He really, really upset me once in the way he spoke about his late sister-in-law Diana with such disdain, in front of a group of people such as me, who he didn’t know from a bar of soap,” she said.

Read the full story below:

Denise Welch says she has ‘beef’ with Prince Andrew over ‘Princess Diana comments’

Andrew’s accuser seeking witness testimony from duke’s former assistant

Saturday 15 January 2022 14:27 , Thomas Kingsley

Virginia Giuffre’s legal team are now seeking to speak to Prince Andrew’s former assistant Robert Olney.

Documents submitted by Ms Giuffre’s legal team say that Mr Olney’s name appears in Jeffrey Epstein’s phone book under “Duke of York”.

They say this means it is likely Mr Olney has relevant information about Andrew’s travel to and from Epstein’s properties during the relevant period.

Read the full story below:

Andrew’s accuser seeking witness testimony from duke’s former assistant

When could the Prince Andrew trial begin?

Saturday 15 January 2022 15:06 , Thomas Kingsley

According to the reports, Judge Lewis Kaplan wants all depositions to be completed by July with an aim for the case to be ready for trial by 28 July, although he does not expect it to start until September.

It is not yet clear if the royal will have to travel to the United States or be required to give evidence another way, such as over video.

Our reporter, Thomas Kingsley, has more here.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Prince Andrew’s lawyers say accuser Virginia Giuffre ‘may suffer from false memories’

Saturday 15 January 2022 19:42 , Emily Atkinson

Prince Andrew’s lawyers say they want to quiz Virginia Giuffre’s psychologist as they call into question her credibility in the sex abuse lawsuit against the royal.

The Duke of York’s legal team is alleging that Ms Giuffre, who is seeking damages in the US, could be relying on “false memories” to accuse him of sexual abuse when she was a minor under US law in the early 2000s.

My colleague, Lamiat Sabin, has the story:

Prince Andrew’s lawyers say accuser Virginia Giuffre ‘may have false memories’

Prince Andrew has been stripped of his titles. What next for the Queen’s favourite son?

Saturday 15 January 2022 20:29 , Emily Atkinson

One thing is clear – this is an unprecedented moment for Britain’s royal family, writes Andrew Buncombe.

Prince Andrew has been stripped of his titles. What now for the Queen’s favorite son?

Prince Andrew 'in tears' when Queen told him he was being stripped of titles

Sunday 16 January 2022 11:00 , Thomas Kingsley

Prince Andrew is said to have been in tears after the Queen decided to remove his honorary military titles. A senior defence source said he was devastated when his mother told him the news, The Daily Mirror has reported.

A senior defence source said: “The Prince was tearful when told the news even though he had expected it. He feels that he has let so many people down, not least his mother, during her Platinum Jubilee year.”

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Goodbye

Sunday 16 January 2022 13:43 , Thomas Kingsley

That concludes our coverage of Prince Andrew’s case, thank you for following along. Goodbye!