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Supporters of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle say the couple are owed an 'apology' following the outcome of the Prince Andrew lawsuit.
It emerged last night that the Duke of York will no longer be going to civil court over sexual assault claims, having reached a financial settlement with his accuser, Virginia Roberts Giuffre.
The Queen's son who was accused of a historic sexual assault and battery of Giuffre when she was 17, has agreed to pay a “substantial sum” to Giuffre’s charitable organisation, as well as “demonstrate his regret” for associating with the late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
However, news of the settlement has left people demanding that critics should “apologise” for their treatment towards Harry and Meghan, who stepped back from royal duties and moved to the US in 2020.
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Both Markle and the Duke of Sussex have since spoken at length at the racism and bullying they faced from sections of the press and from the public at large during their time in the UK.
And many believe that those who held unsavoury views about Meghan and Harry should be repentant, particularly in the light of Prince Andrew’s settlement.
Taking to Twitter, one person wrote: “Don't no one ever say again that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle dragged down the reputation of the Royal Family. Ever again.”
A second agreed: “Having a Senior member (Prince Andrew) of the Royal family settle a sexual abuse case is a FOREVER STAIN on the Royal family. Leave Meghan Markle alone.”
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“What exactly has Harry done to be put in the same category as Andrew?? Oh, forgot he married Meghan who tainted the royal family!” a third person sarcastically replied.
“When Harry and Meghan did an interview, the papers headlines ‘worst crisis for the RF for 85 years!’ Where are the same headlines for Andrew?” said a fourth. “Utterly appalling!”
A court document from Prince Andrew’s legal case reads: “Virginia Giuffre and Prince Andrew have reached an out-of-court settlement. The parties will file a stipulated dismissal upon Ms Giuffre’s receipt of the settlement (the sum of which is not being disclosed).
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“Prince Andrew intends to make a substantial donation to Ms Giuffre’s charity in support of victims’ rights. 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.
“He pledges to demonstrate his regret for his association with Epstein by supporting the fight against the evils of sex trafficking, and by supporting its victims.”
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: News, Royal Family, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Jeffrey Epstein