Prince Andrew Lawsuit Will Cast 'Dark Shadow' Over Queen's Jubilee After Ruling

Prince Andrew has suffered a major setback in his Jeffrey Epstein sex abuse lawsuit, with his looming trial set to cast a "shadow" over Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee.

The Duke of York applied to have the case thrown out because accuser Virginia Giuffre had accepted a payout from the New York financier in 2009.

However, a judge ruled he was not a party to the $500,000 contract and there was no clear basis for arguing he could enforce it.

The dramatic decision means Prince Andrew will first face being questioned under oath by Giuffre's lawyers and then be subjected to a civil trial, unless he settles out of court.

The pressure is on for the duke as the reputational damage to the monarchy could be significant during Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee marking 70 years on the throne, celebrated throughout 2022.

Nigel Cawthorne, author of Prince Andrew: Epstein, Maxwell and the Palace, told Newsweek: "There will be a trial unless they make a settlement, which does seem unlikely.

"Virginia doesn't seem to be up for that at all. She seems to want her day in court. And the British taxpayer would ask exactly where this money is coming from.

"Its going to cast a very dark shadow over the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in the summer.

"Certainly, it will be commented on at all the events that his face will be missing. They can hardly have him out in public."

The centerpiece of the jubilee will be a series of events taking place over four days from June 2 to June 5.

The trial will likely take place later in 2022 based on current scheduling, however, there may still be revelations and legal arguments between the parties during the build-up.

Attorney Lisa Bloom, who represents a group of Epstein victims, wrote on Twitter: "Prince Andrew loses in court again. Judge rejects his many efforts to get sexual abuse case thrown out on legal technicalities.

"I heard the argument last week and it was clear the judge wasn't having it.

"A good day for justice as the case moves forward."

The prince's legal team attempted to fall back on a 2009 settlement agreement Giuffre signed with Epstein for $500,000.

The document suggested "other potential defendants" would be released from liability but also suggested "no other person" could assert its terms.

Andrew also demanded Giuffre supply a more detailed account of her allegations against him prior to his deposition but was again rejected by Judge Lewis Kaplan.

A 46-page ruling seen by Newsweek read: "The 2009 agreement cannot be said to demonstrate, clearly and unambiguously, the parties intended the instrument 'directly,' 'primarily,' or 'substantially,' to benefit Prince Andrew."

On Andrew's complaint that Giuffre's allegations should be more detailed, Kaplan wrote: "Ms. Giuffre's complaint is neither 'unintelligible' nor 'vague' nor 'ambiguous'.

"It alleges discrete incidents of sexual abuse in particular circumstances at three identifiable locations. It identifies to whom it attributes that sexual abuse."

Kaplan added: "For the foregoing reasons, defendant's motion to dismiss the complaint or for a more definite statement is denied in all respects."

Nazir Afzal, former chief crown prosecutor for north west England, wrote: "Prince Andrew is NOT protected by paedophile Epstein's Agreement with his victim. Andrew LOSES."