Twitter Is Absolutely Fuming Over Prince Andrew Amid His Return To The Spotlight

Prince Andrew's future as a royal is in jeopardy following his highly-publicized sexual assault lawsuit. Per BBC News, the Duke of York ultimately agreed to pay off accuser Virginia Giuffre in order to avoid taking the case to trial, which would've involved the beleaguered royal testifying under oath. Although the total amount has not been revealed, it's reputedly worth millions of dollars. Andrew continues to maintain his innocence and, notably, the settlement did not include any acceptance of liability on his part.

The Duke of York was stripped of his royal titles and various military patronages by the queen herself. As the New York Post reported at the time, Queen Elizabeth met with Andrew to break the news to him personally, since they live fairly close to each other. The queen reportedly informed Andrew he would no longer be known as His Royal Highness in any official capacity and would have to fight the lawsuit in America as a private citizen accordingly, as a result. Senior members of the royal family, including Prince William and Prince Charles, were adamant he wouldn't have the might of the monarchy behind him.

With the Platinum Jubilee on the horizon, Andrew is taking his first tentative steps back into the spotlight. And, unsurprisingly, online commentators aren't too happy about it.

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).

Twitter is up in arms following comments made by the Archbishop of Canterbury, during an interview on ITV News (via Twitter). While calling for "a more open and forgiving society," the religious leader argued that Prince Andrew is "seeking to make amends" for what he's done, and the queen has every right to have her son present at the Platinum Jubilee. He did, however, acknowledge it's obviously a very sensitive topic and nobody should be judged for how they respond to it. 

One user wrote in response, "Whoever thinks Prince Andrew should be forgiven for his 'involvement' with a sexual predator needs to take a long, hard look at themselves. To even consider 'forgiving' him, is an absolute insult to his victims and all victims." As another argued, "Prince Andrew isn't in prison, where he should be. He isn't on the breadline, where he should be. He's living in a plush mansion, paid for by gods knows who or what. Leave the sob stories for real victims."

There were also suggestions Andrew is using the Jubilee celebrations to curry favor with the public, despite the fact, as several people pointed out, that the duke hasn't really done anything to show his contrition. Per The Guardian, a spokesperson for the Archbishop later clarified he was speaking generally and "making a broader point about the kind of society that he hopes the Platinum Jubilee inspires us to be."

Although Prince Andrew's presence at the Platinum Jubilee is guaranteed to cause controversy, it's worth noting he won't be accompanying the queen on the balcony at Buckingham Palace, for Trooping the Color. The Guardian confirmed neither Andrew nor Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would be allowed up there because none of them are working royals anymore. The royals regretted including Andrew in Prince Philip's memorial, since much of the ensuing press coverage focused on his attendance at the event rather than on the late patriarch, so they're likely relieved he won't be taking part in this most front-facing of events.

Regardless, behind the scenes, the Duke of York is working hard to prove himself to his mother. According to The Mirror, Andrew has been making daily visits to the queen's nearby home in Windsor Castle. An insider revealed, "Andrew is doing all he can to make amends for the shame he brought on his family for being involved in such a scandal. He wants to make it up to the queen which is why he is doing all he can to see her as much as possible." Many other senior royals believe the duke should keep his distance, so his mom is Andrew's last hope, essentially. 

As The Independent notes, it remains to be seen how many Jubilee events Andrew will ultimately be part of, but he's expected to be involved in some capacity at the very least.