BBC QT: 'Explain the situation!' Andy Burnham demands answers from Prince Andrew
LABOUR MAYOR of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham appeared on BBC's Question Time on Thursday to discuss the fallout from Prince Andrew's civil case, which was settled earlier this week.
Question Time: Andy Burnham discusses Prince Andrew
Speaking on the panel Mr Burnham urged the prince to “take more responsibility” and explain himself properly, particularly his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He said: “Clearly when the Queen took the decision a couple of weeks ago to strip her son of his titles or his royal role that can’t have been an easy decision, but I would have thought it was done with a knowledge of what was coming.
“And that’s why I say don’t let this turn into a run on the Royal Family or the Queen in this particular year I would say.
“But also though, I have to say that you can’t just leave this situation now hanging ‘cause it will hang over the Royal Family this year and I think he needs to step forward, take more responsibility for what he has done, explain the money situation and explain how he got into a position where he was in the company of a convicted child trafficker.”
It was announced on Tuesday that Prince Andrew had reached a settlement out of court with Virginia Giuffre, who had accused him of sexually assaulting her on three occasions when she was 17.
“He needs to… explain the money situation”
— BBC Question Time (@bbcquestiontime) February 17, 2022
Tonight on #bbcqt @AndyBurnhamGM says Prince Andrew needs to explain his involvement with Jeffrey Epstein. Prince Andrew denies any wrongdoing.
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He has vehemently denied all allegations against him and the settlement is not an admission of guilt.
It is not known the exact sum involved in the settlement, but it is thought to be “substantial”.
Prince Andrew has also agreed to donate to Virginia Giuffre’s charity supporting assault victims.
Altogether Ms Giuffre and her charity are expected to receive at least £12 million according to The Telegraph, the money will reportedly be partly funded by the Queen.
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It is thought the Queen and the rest of the Royal Family want to draw a line under the whole affair ahead of this year’s celebrations to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
In a statement filed by the court, the Duke of York pledged to “demonstrate his regret” for his relationship with the late Jeffrey Epstein through supporting the “fight against the evils of sex trafficking, and by supporting its victims”.
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The statement continued: “Prince Andrew has never intended to malign Ms Giuffre’s character, and he accepts that she has suffered both as an established victim of abuse and as a result of unfair public attacks.
“It is known that Jeffrey Epstein trafficked countless young girls over many years.
“Prince Andrew regrets his association with Epstein, and commends the bravery of Ms Giuffre and other survivors in standing up for themselves and others”.