Jeffrey Epstein's secret deal with Virginia Giuffre could be key to Andrew's assault case

Prince Andrew's accuser Virginia Giuffre and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's 2009 settlement, which could be key to a civil case involving the Duke of York, is set to be released on Monday (today).

The settlement was reportedly reached between Giuffre (formerly known as Virginia Roberts) and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who died in prison in 2019.

Virginia is suing the 61-year-old royal for allegedly sexually assaulting her in London, New York and the Virgin Islands when she was 17. The accuser is seeking unspecified damages, but there is speculation the sum could be in the millions of dollars if she wins.

Some critics believe that Prince Andrew’s assault case could damage the monarchy on a much wider scale. Last week, Andrew's friend Ghislaine Maxwell was found guilty of recruiting underage girls to be sexually abused by her ex-boyfriend Epstein.

However, Prince Andrew's lawyers think differently and claim the 2009 settlement- being made public for the first time - could release him from liability in the case brought by Giuffre, who accused the royal of sexual assault.

Brettler, who represents the duke, previously told at New York hearing the agreement "releases Prince Andrew and others from any purported liability arising from the claims Giuffre asserted against the second son of the Queen."

US District Judge Lewis A Kaplan, who is presiding over the civil case, is due to hold a video teleconference on Tuesday when a request by Prince Andrew's legal team to dismiss the case will be heard.