Prince Andrew Faces Trial After Judge Rejects Dismissal Bid — Giuffre’s Lawyer Says She Won’t Settle for Silence

The Duke of York’s legal troubles have deepened after a U.S. judge ruled that Virginia Giuffre’s civil lawsuit against him can proceed to trial — a stunning setback for the Queen’s son that could see him testify under oath in a Manhattan courtroom later this year.

Judge Lewis Kaplan of the Southern District of New York dismissed the prince’s attempt to have the case thrown out, stating that the 2009 settlement agreement between Giuffre and Jeffrey Epstein was too ambiguous to shield Andrew from civil action.

The ruling clears the way for a discovery phase — meaning both sides must exchange evidence and sit for depositions. Legal observers say this is the stage Prince Andrew has most wanted to avoid.

🔥 Giuffre’s Lawyer: “Vindication, Not a Payoff”

David Boies, attorney for Virginia Giuffre, told the BBC that his client’s goal is not a simple payout.

“A purely financial settlement is not anything that I think she’s interested in,” Boies said.
“What’s important is that this resolution vindicates her and the other victims.”

Boies confirmed that no settlement discussions are currently underway, though his team had previously offered mediation before filing the lawsuit.

For Giuffre, who alleges she was trafficked by Epstein to have sex with powerful men — including Prince Andrew — the court’s decision is a key victory after years of public scrutiny.

Prince Andrew, 61, has categorically denied all allegations of sexual assault or misconduct.

🕵️ Inside the Judge’s Ruling

The case hinges on whether the 2009 settlement between Giuffre and Epstein — in which she accepted $500,000 and agreed not to sue other “potential defendants” — legally covers the prince.

Judge Kaplan said it was too early to draw that conclusion:

“There is more than one reasonable interpretation of the agreement,” the judge wrote, meaning a jury will likely have to decide whether Andrew is protected by it.

That ambiguity means the lawsuit will proceed to evidence gathering and witness questioning, potentially placing the prince’s past statements under intense scrutiny.

📺 The Newsnight Interview Returns to Haunt Him

Boies noted that Prince Andrew’s infamous 2019 BBC Newsnight interview — in which he claimed he had “no recollection” of meeting Giuffre — is likely to resurface during his deposition.

“He’s made a lot of statements which he’ll have to try to back up under oath,” Boies said.
“His approach has been to deny, deny, deny… We’ll see how that plays out when he’s under oath.”

That interview, widely criticized at the time, effectively ended Andrew’s public royal duties. Analysts now believe it could also form the backbone of his cross-examination.

🧩 What Happens Next?

The case now moves into discovery — the evidence-exchange phase — which could include emails, travel logs, or testimony from key witnesses. Both Giuffre and Andrew may give sworn depositions in coming months.

If the case proceeds to trial, it could begin as soon as the fall. A verdict against Andrew, even in civil court, would be devastating reputationally and financially.

The Duke technically has three choices:

Defend himself in court and face questioning under oath.

Attempt an out-of-court settlement that satisfies Giuffre’s demand for vindication.

Ignore the proceedings, which could result in a default judgment against him.

👑 Palace Reaction: Silence and Distance

Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on “an ongoing legal matter.” Insiders say the royal family is maintaining strict distance as Andrew faces the case as a private citizen, not as a working royal.

Behind palace walls, the situation is described as “deeply embarrassing” and “potentially explosive” — particularly in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year.

⚖️ The Bigger Picture: Epstein’s Legacy of Legal Fallout

The lawsuit is part of the wider reckoning surrounding Jeffrey Epstein’s sex-trafficking network. Epstein died in prison in 2019; his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted in December 2021 of sex trafficking minors.

Giuffre’s legal battle against Andrew symbolizes a continuing pursuit of accountability for those accused of enabling or participating in Epstein’s abuses.

🔍 What’s at Stake

For Giuffre, the case is about public acknowledgment.
For Andrew, it’s about reputation, legacy, and possibly financial ruin.

A trial would mean the airing of testimony that the royal family — and much of Britain — hoped would never be heard in court.

As one legal expert told the BBC:

“This isn’t just a lawsuit anymore. It’s a test of truth — and of accountability at the highest levels.”