The Allegations
Virginia Giuffre alleged in civil filings that Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell arranged for her to have sexual contact with Prince Andrew on three occasions: at Maxwell’s London townhouse, at Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse, and on Epstein’s private island.
Giuffre was 17 at the time of the alleged interactions. Prince Andrew denied all allegations.
The BBC Interview
In November 2019, Andrew gave a BBC Newsnight interview in which he denied the allegations and provided explanations for why the incidents could not have occurred as described. The interview was widely criticized and seen as further damaging to Andrew.
The 2022 Settlement
Rather than proceed to trial and give sworn deposition testimony, Prince Andrew reached a civil settlement with Virginia Giuffre in February 2022. The settlement was for an undisclosed sum. Following the settlement, King Charles (then Prince of Wales) made clear Andrew would not return to public duties, and Andrew was stripped of remaining military honors.
Giuffre’s 2024 Withdrawal
In 2024, Giuffre filed a separate court statement withdrawing her claims against Andrew, citing serious health challenges. The withdrawal did not reverse the settlement.