Here's What Prince Andrew Needs To Do To Settle His Court Case

Prince Andrew's legal team has been fighting hard to get the civil case lodged against him by Virginia Giuffre, who was one of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein's victims, dismissed. According to The Independent, their desperate attempts to ensure the lawsuit is thrown out have dissolved under intense questioning from the judge trying the case. Giuffre's lawsuit alleges that she was sexually abused by numerous friends of Epstein when she was under 18, one of whom was Andrew. The Duke of York has strongly denied the accusations, arguing Giuffre is simply looking for a "payday at his expense."

During the latest hearing, Judge Lewis Kaplan questioned attorney Andrew Brettler over why a recently-released confidentiality agreement between Epstein and Giuffre, which was signed in 2009, should legally prevent her from suing Andrew. The documents don't name him directly, but rather refer to any "potential defendants" connected to the late businessman. "Prince Andrew could have been sued but was not. Ms Giuffre intended to release royalty," Brettler argued. The prince's lawyer also contended that Giuffre's allegations were too vague.

He stated, "Before Prince Andrew must answer, he should be told specifically what all the allegations are." However, David Boise, Giuffre's attorney, countered that the 2009 agreement shouldn't be used to exonerate Andrew since it detailed entirely separate allegations. The beleaguered royal may still be hoping the whole thing goes away, however, considering what it's going to cost him to settle the case.

Prince Andrew is facing an uphill battle with his sex abuse case, particularly considering his legal bills are building up quicker than the disgraced royal can pay them. Per The Mirror, the Duke of York may soon be forced to sell his multimillion dollar Swiss chalet, since the Queen has made it clear she won't be footing the bill for him. Andrew is waiting to find out whether the case is heading to trial. If it does, and he loses, the prince could end up paying accuser Virginia Giuffre up to £3 million (just over $4 million) in restitution. 

Giuffre alleges Andrew sexually abused her on three separate occasions when she was 17. However, there's also the possibility the Duke of York might look to settle out of court instead. It hasn't been discussed just yet, but an insider warned, "It is crunch time for Andrew on several fronts. He is meeting all the costs himself so he needs to raise cash fast to pay bills which are increasing by the day." The source added, "If there was the potential to settle, well, that is an option, but it is in no doubt that the Queen would not assist him in doing so." 

Several senior royals, including Prince Charles and son Prince William, were reportedly disgusted by the idea that the Queen should have to pay Andrew's legal bills, believing he should be forced to figure things out himself.

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).