Prince Andrew news: Duke WON'T listen in to court hearing & will leave lawyers to battle with accuser Virginia Roberts
PRINCE Andrew’s fate hangs in the balance today as a judge decides if his sex case is quashed – but he will not be listening in to the crunch hearing.
Lawyers for the duke — who said he cannot sweat — will argue in New York that Virginia Giuffre’s civil lawsuit should be dropped.
They claim a secret 2009 deal she made with billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein exempts him from legal action. A New York judge will rule whether the civil case brought by Virginia Giuffre should be thrown out.
The duke’s team say the 2009 agreement between her and Jeffrey Epstein, published for the first time yesterday, exempts him from legal action.
Meanwhile, a top lawyer has said that Prince Andrew should be quizzed by the Met Police about Andrew's knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell's child sex trafficking.
According to former chief prosecutor Nazir Afzal, anything linking them to the UK must be fully investigated.
The Express reported that ex-Chief Crown Prosecutor for the north west of England, Mr Afzal, said that cops to go one step further and review all alleged offences "without fear or favour" – including questioning Andrew if necessary.
Read our Royal Family live blog for the latest news and updates…
- Milica Cosic
‘Low key’ celebration for Kate
According to a royal expert, The Duchess of Cambridge will have a ‘low key’ celebration for her milestone birthday next week.
Royal expert Duncan Larcombe told OK!: “Kate and William are not the sort to go away to celebrate on their own and leave the kids at home.
“I think the same will apply to Kate’s birthday as it does to Christmas – it will be low key and it will be focused entirely on the family.”
- Milica Cosic
To give evidence: Juan Patricio Alessi
Juan Patricio Alessi, 71, Epstein's former housekeeper, could be called to give evidence.
Testifying at Maxwell's New York City trial, Alessi told the court he saw "hundreds" of topless girls bathing at the property's pool when he worked at the paedo's mansion from 1990 to 2002.
The former staff member said two girls, who appeared underage, also frequently stayed at the mansion.
He told the court one was Ms Giuffre and the victim in the trial who used the pseudonym "Jane".
Alessi recalled Andrew visiting Epstein’s mansion in Palm Beach twice – but said he never witnessed him take part in any sexual impropriety.
Speaking before Maxwell was found guilty in New York, Alessi said Andrew "should speak to the FBI, if nothing else to clear himself".
He said: "I believe what Virginia is saying, although I do not know the truth about what happened between her and Andrew.
"I never saw Andrew and Virginia together."
Alessi alleges he first met Ms Giuffre when she worked at Donald Trump's Mar-A-Lago resort in Florida.
He told the court: "I was at Mar-A-Lago with Ms Maxwell. I waited in the car like the driver."
Asked by the prosecution, "how did she look?", the 71-year-old replied: "young", and when asked how old she was he said: "14 or 15."
- Milica Cosic
Harry ‘very happy’ after Megxit
Ingrid Seward, Majesty magazine’s editor-in-chief, claims that Prince Harry is “very happy” with his and Meghan’s life two years after Megxit.
The editor told the Mirror: “I am hearing that, despite it all, Harry is very happy with his lot.
“He has managed to break away from the ‘toxic’ royal life, which is what his mother always wanted to do but was never able to.”
- Milica Cosic
Seven witnesses who could link Prince Andrew to Virginia
SEVEN key witnesses could link Prince Andrew to his rape accuser Virginia Roberts Giuffre – as well as Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
Ms Giuffre’s lawyer David Boies has urged Andrew to “take responsibility” for his alleged actions – and confirmed several witnesses are willing to say the Duke and Ms Giuffre had met.
Here are seven witnesses could be called to testify against the Duke of York and link him to Ms Giuffre, Epstein and Maxwell:
- Johanna Sjoberg
- Steve Scully
- Juan Patricio Alessi
- Anthony Figueroa
- Anonymous nightclub witness
- Larry Visoski
- ‘Jane’
Read more here.
Andrew will not be ‘anywhere near’ public celebrations
Royal expert Russell Myers claimed Andrew will not be “anywhere near” public celebrations for the Queen’s jubilee next year and will be “banished” from any outings.
He told the podcast Pod Save the Queen there will “obviously a lot of nervousness within Palace walls how this could potentially overshadow the celebration,” adding: “Certainly, I don’t think Andrew will be anywhere near the public celebrations, banished from the balcony, banished from any public outing.”
It comes as high-powered lawyers for the duke and Ms Giuffre, 38, will go head-to-head at a video conference hearing in New York on Tuesday to decide the future of her lawsuit.
Queen's unusual way of doing her Xmas shopping
Despite Christmas now being well and truly over, former Royal Butler Paul Burrell, who worked for the Queen and Princess Diana, has revealed the Queen's unique approach to Christmas shopping.
He said: “There is a little ‘shop’ set up in the drawing room at Windsor Castle and the Queen can pop in and choose gifts at her leisure.
“Late at night, after dinner, usually around 10pm, she’ll pop into her little Christmas shop and do some shopping.”
He continued: "The Queen always chooses practical gifts that can be used – never ornaments or decorative things.
"So, she might pick some picnic plates, a tablecloth, or a couple of hand towels.”
Prince Charles sends cryptic message to Prince Harry
In a letter, Prince Charles mentioned Harry and Prince William that he wrote to urge older generations to take meaningful action to tackle the climate crisis.
Writing for Newsweek, he said: "As a father, I am proud that my sons have recognised this threat.
"Most recently, my elder son, William, launched the prestigious Earthshot Prize to incentivise change and help repair our planet over the next ten years by identifying and investing in the technologies that can make a difference.
"And my younger son, Harry, has passionately highlighted the impact of climate change, especially in relation to Africa, and committed his charity to being net zero."
'Andrew is going to have a hard time'
Spencer Kuvin, who represents victims of paedo Epstein, said: “Andrew is going to have a hard time on this — it is not clear-cut for his lawyers at all. I think he is going to still have to sweat on this lawsuit for a while. That is, if he can.”
Virginia, 38, claims Andrew, 61, sexually assaulted her three times when she was 17.
He denies it and cannot remember meeting her, although they were photographed together.
Prince Andrew’s fate hangs in the balance TODAY
PRINCE Andrew’s fate hangs in the balance today as a judge decides if his sex case is quashed.
Lawyers for the duke — who said he cannot sweat — will argue in New York that Virginia Giuffre’s civil lawsuit should be dropped.
A New York judge will rule whether the civil case brought by Virginia Giuffre should be thrown out.
Lawyers warned The Sun Andrew, who denied Virginia’s claims he danced with her in 2001 by claiming he cannot sweat, may not be in the clear.
- Milica Cosic
The Queen’s New Year photo convinced Haarry & Meg royals were ‘against them’
A royal author has claimed that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were “convinced” the royals were “against them” after the Queen’s 2020 New Year photo.
According to royal author Andrew Morton, the photo made Harry and Meghan question their position in The Firm, the Mirror reports.
Writing in his unauthorised biography, Meghan: A Hollywood Princess, he claims: “The royal couple suspected that the entire institution was conspiring against them.
“As they saw it, the evidence was all around them.
“The unspoken code was straightforward: the future of the monarchy was assured, with or without Meghan and Harry.”
Just days after the photo was released, the Sussexes shocked the world by announcing they were stepping back from royal duties.
- Milica Cosic
Archie’s classmates don’t know he has royal parents
Parents with kids in the same class as little Archie in California are said to “not care” about the Duke and Duchess‘ royal ties, insiders said.
The famous couple are reportedly treated like any other parent on the school run as they take Archie, two, to nursey near their American home.
And other children in Archie’s class don’t know that his parents are royalty, it’s been claimed.
Other parents are said to have been “laid back” about welcoming Harry and Meghan into the school system.
And Archie is seen as “just another child” in the nursery, according to insiders.
- Louis Allwood
Seven witnesses who could link Prince Andrew to Virginia (Continued…)
Anonymous nightclub witness – One woman has claimed she saw Andrew dancing with Ms Giuffre at Tramp nightclub – hours before the royal allegedly had sex with the teen.
Larry Visoski – Epstein's long-time pilot, Larry Visoski, testified at the trial of Maxwell that he flew VIPs to luxury locations worldwide – including Prince Andrew.
Mr Visoski, who served as Epstein's pilot for over 25 years, also recalled flying Ms Giuffre.
'Jane' – David Boies said his team may get Maxwell’s youngest victim, “Jane”, to testify against Prince Andrew.
She was 14 when she was groomed by the British socialite and told the Maxwell trial she flew on Epstein’s jet — dubbed the “Lolita Express” — with Prince Andrew.
- Louis Allwood
Seven witnesses who could link Prince Andrew to Virginia
SEVEN key witnesses could link Prince Andrew to his rape accuser Virginia Roberts Giuffre – and Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
The Duke of York, 61, is facing a lawsuit filed by Ms Giuffre who claims she was forced to have sex with him three times in 2001 and 2002 – in London, New York and on a private Caribbean island.
Here are seven witnesses that could be called to testify against the Duke of York and link him to Ms Giuffre, Epstein and Maxwell.
Johanna Sjoberg – Epstein’s former personal assistant Johanna Sjoberg has claimed the Duke groped her breast when she was 21 years old while she sat on a sofa with him and Ms Giuffre.
Steve Scully – Ms Giuffre's lawyers have also secured the testimony of Steve Scully, who worked for Epstein.
Juan Patricio Alessi – Epstein's former housekeeper, could be called to give evidence.
Anthony Figueroa – Ms Giuffre's ex-boyfriend claimed she confided in him about the alleged abuse 20 years ago.
- Louis Allwood
Stripping of title
PRINCE Andrew was rocked by claims he could be stripped of his Duke of York title if he loses a lawsuit brought by sex abuse accuser Virginia Giuffre.
Royal courtiers were reported to have discussed plans to send him into “internal exile” — including stopping him using his title and other options, such as giving up all his charity links.
One source told The Sunday Times: “If he loses the case, the question is what do you do with him? You can’t make him resign like you would a normal person but he would be asked to put his dukedom into abeyance.”
They reported that royal insiders said it would be difficult to persuade the Queen to take away the title of Duke of York as “it was held by her father, George VI, before he became king and she bestowed it on her favourite son. But he has disgraced that title”.
- Louis Allwood
Will it be a busy year for the Queen?
The Queen will be joined by the nation in celebrating the Platinum Jubilee in the summer of 2022, but there are also other key events in the New Year that the Queen is due to attend.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said to Express.co.uk: “there’s so much we don’t know” the royals’ calendar in the coming year.
He said: “Trips abroad, for example, royal engagements, how many will be in person? The pandemic has and will continue to affect a great deal of events.”
- Louis Allwood
'Low key' celebration for Duchess
According to a royal expert, The Duchess of Cambridge will have a 'low key' celebration for her milestone birthday next week.
Royal expert Duncan Larcombe told OK!: “Kate and William are not the sort to go away to celebrate on their own and leave the kids at home.
“I think the same will apply to Kate’s birthday as it does to Christmas – it will be low key and it will be focused entirely on the family.”
- Louis Allwood
Lawyer says Andrew should be quizzed
A top lawyer has said that Prince Andrew should be quizzed by police about his knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell’s child sex trafficking.
According to former chief prosecutor Nazir Afzal, anything linking them to the UK must be fully investigated.
Mr Afzal, ex-Chief Crown Prosecutor for the north west of England, last night urged cops to go one step further and review all alleged offences “without fear or favour” – including questioning Andrew if necessary, The Express reports.
Mr Afzal, who overturned a CPS decision not to charge several of the Rochdale child grooming suspects in 2012, said: “The Met said in 2015, then in 2019 and again in 2021 that it had reviewed the allegations and came to the conclusion that there were no offences.
“But it left the door open to investigate further if more information came forward.
“I cannot see anything more significant than Ghislaine Maxwell’s conviction for her part in this paedophile ring – so it must now investigate this properly to restore public confidence.”
- Louis Allwood
Queen’s head chef receives honor
The Queen’s head chef has been made a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (RVO) by the monarch.
Mark Flanagan oversaw the dishes served at the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s 2018 wedding reception and has led the catering team at other major events like state banquets.
Rather than a formal sit-down dinner, Meghan and Harry’s guests were also served a selection of bowl food including 10-hour slow roasted Windsor pork belly with apple compote and crackling.
The head chef of the royal household has worked for some of the world’s best chefs, like Michel and Albert Roux and Raymond Blanc, and will celebrate 20 years working for the royal family next year.
Awards under the RVO are in the Queen’s gift and are bestowed independently of Downing Street to people who have served the monarch or the royal family in a personal way.
- Louis Allwood
Andrew could be ‘stripped of military roles’
The Duke of York has not been at a single military event since he stepped back from royal duties two years ago – accused of having sex with one of Epstein's victims three times.
Officers are now said to have appeared uncomfortable at being asked to drink to the duke's health at the end of regimental dinners, The Times reports.
And Julian Perreira, a former lance sergeant who served three tours of Afghanistan, said Andrew's continued involvement in the case would “stain” the regiment’s history.
Mr Perreira told the publication: "Being allowed to retain his role as colonel of the Grenadier Guards and other military titles, Prince Andrew will put a stain on the regiment's proud history and will devalue the hard work of past and future generations of Grenadiers.
"He must step down immediately."
Andrew, 61, became colonel of the Grenadier Guards in 2017 after inheriting the position from the Duke of Edinburgh.
- Louis Allwood
The prince is desperate to avoid a civil trial
The prince is desperate to avoid a civil trial against his accuser — who could face his disgraced mate Maxwell in court at her sentencing.
He has consistently denied all allegations against him, but Virginia's lawyers are said to be filing evidence demands, including medical proof that he is unable to sweat, as claimed in his car-crash Newsnight interview in 2019.
During the televised chat, the duke insisted he had no memory of ever meeting her, and said her claim that he was sweating profusely as they danced in London's Tramp night club before the alleged assault could not have happened as he was unable to sweat.
He also said he had an alibi for that night as he was at a Pizza Express in Woking, Surrey – which Ms Giuffre's lawyers also want proof of.
- Louis Allwood
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee guests
A royal expert has claimed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are keeping their schedules free for the Queen’s invite to her Platinum Jubilee celebrations later this year.
Royal commentator Neil Sean said on his YouTube channel: “According to very good sources and palace courtiers, they tell me that they’ve received word get this from Harry and Meghan that they are going to keep their diaries free should, of course, they be called upon now.”
- Louis Allwood
Covid experts among New Year Honors
Among 1,122 people receiving awards are tennis player Emma Raducanu, Olympians and Paralympians, and actor Daniel Craig.
Leading figures of science and medicine during the coronavirus pandemic have been feted in the Queen’s new year honours list. This also includes chief medical officer for England, Prof Chris Whitty, who is to receive a knighthood.
The teenage tennis star Emma Raducanu – praised for her “remarkable achievement at such a young age” by the Queen and is to be awarded an MBE.
Other sports personnel include Olympians and Paralympians cyclist Jody Cundy, who gets a CBE, and sprinter and cyclist Kadeena Cox, who receives an OBE.
Actors Joanna Lumley and Vanessa Redgrave become dames for their services to drama, entertainment and charity.
Alongside them, actor Daniel Craig receives the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (CMG) for outstanding contribution to film.
- Louis Allwood
Harry and Meghan's status 'doesn't bother parents'
PARENTS at Archie's nursery 'don't care' that Meghan and Harry are associated with the British royal family, reports claim.
The couple's son, 2, has started at a nursery near their Montecito home, where he will be taught about “emotional literacy”,as well as learning about mental health and looking after the environment.
According to a report by the Mirror, a parent at the nursery says Harry and Meghan blend in as regulars on the school run – and haven't "made a fuss" about their fame.
They added: “Harry often drops Archie off and picks him up, and seems like a good dad. All the parents have been laidback in welcoming Harry and Meghan, without making a fuss. And to the other kids, Archie is just one of them.
“They don’t know his parents are royalty, and probably wouldn’t care – unless Meghan was a Disney princess.”
- Louis Allwood
Andrew to have secret Jeffrey Epstein deal made public TODAY
A SECRET deal between Jeffrey Epstein and his “sex slave” Virginia Roberts Giuffre is set to be made public today.
The 2009 settlement had been kept under seal – but judges last month ordered it to be released on January 3 unless “good cause” could be shown otherwise.
Prince Andrew, 61, maintains that a clause in the agreement precludes him from being sued by Virginia – who alleges he sexually assaulted her three times when she was 17.
The now 38-year-old claims she was enticed by the Duke of York’s pal Ghislaine Maxwell, who was this week found guilty of helping to lure vulnerable teens to ex-lover Epstein’s properties for him to abuse between 1994 and 2004.
In October, Virginia’s lawyers agreed to hand over a copy of the settlement for Andrew’s lawyers to examine.
But his legal team have been lobbying for it to be placed on public record.
And they may now get their wish after judges Loretta Preska and Lewis Kaplan – who are overseeing the lawsuit against the duke – last month backed the claim and ordered it to be made public.
- Louis Allwood
Queen’s lady-in-waiting dies
THE Queen’s lady-in-waiting has sadly passed away.
Lady Farnham, 90, was a close confidante of the Queen and had supported her since 1987 in her role as Lady of the Bedchamber.
She was seen riding alongside Her Majesty on the way to the Diamond Jubilee service in 2012 when Prince Philip was too ill to attend. Lady Farnham also accompanied the couple on royal tours during her 44 years of service for the Queen.
A royal source told The Telegraph: “It is very sad for the Queen. Everyone loved Lady Farnham, she was always so good humoured. She was also a very glamorous and attractive woman. She was always very generous to new people joining the household.
“It has not been a good year for the Queen – losing her husband and then the Duchess of Grafton and now Lady Farnham. They were dear friends who supported the Queen on official duties. Unfortunately a sad consequence of living a long life is that you have to say goodbye to a lot of people you care about.”
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