In a dramatic move that will enrage his critics, Prince Andrew consults his lawyers in the hope of ending his royal exile. The Duke of York is hoping to overturn his sex abuse deal
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11661933/Prince-Andrew-consults-lawyers-hope-ending-royal-exile.html
Prince Andrew is to launch a dramatic bid to overturn the multi-million-pound settlement he struck with the woman who accused him of sexual assault.
The Duke of York has consulted lawyers in an attempt to get Virginia Roberts to retract her allegations and possibly secure an apology, The Mail on Sunday understands.
He was inspired to act after Ms Roberts dropped her lawsuit against another man she accused of sexual assault, admitting that she 'may have made a mistake' in identifying him.
And sources suggest the King will not oppose any legal action Andrew might take to clear his name – even though Charles previously told his brother he would be permanently exiled from Royal life.
Ms Roberts – who now goes by her married name Giuffre – claimed she was forced to have sex with the Prince when she was 17, having been trafficked by convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
In the out-of-court settlement, Andrew accepted no blame, and continues to strenuously deny any wrongdoing. But the scandal damaged his reputation and made him an outcast from the Royal Family. He was stripped of his military titles and asked not to use his HRH title.
However, those close to Andrew claim he always wanted to fight the allegations in court, and was 'bounced' into agreeing a deal by Palace forces who feared the negative publicity of the case would overshadow the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
'Andrew felt as if he was in a pressure-cooker, as if he was given no option but to settle,' a source said. 'But he never wanted to settle and has always insisted he was innocent. He wants to see what legal routes might be available to him.
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