Feb 15, 2022: Britain’s Prince Andrew and his accuser Virginia Giuffre have filed a lawsuit alleging that he sexually abused her when she was a teenager at a time when she was being sexually trafficked by the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, a court filing has said.

Giuffre’s lawyers, writing on behalf of both sides, asked a U.S. federal court in New York on Tuesday to suspend the case until it is formally dismissed. The case was settled for an unknown amount.

A statement from Prince Andrew’s lawyers said, “Prince Andrew has never intended to malign Ms. Giuffre’s character, and he accepts that she has suffered both as an established victim of abuse and as a result of unfair public attacks, it is known that Jeffrey Epstein trafficked countless young girls over many years. Prince Andrew regrets his association with Epstein, and commends the bravery of Ms. Giuffre and other survivors in standing up for themselves and others.”

It added that the prince would make “substantial donations” to Giuffre’s charity to support victims’ rights. The case was a civil case not a criminal one.

Last month, Britain’s royal family stripped Queen Elizabeth’s second son, Andrew, of his military role and royal patronage, including the title of “His Majesty”, claiming he was a private citizen. Meanwhile Prince Andrew denies Giuffre’s allegations that he forced her to have sex 20 years ago at the London home of Epstein’s ex-partner Ghislaine Maxwell.