MIRROR Online: LONDON, England, By Matthew Dresch – Prince Andrew could have his royal patronages restored if he wins his legal case while the Queen is still alive, according to an insider.
The Duke of York faces a civil trial in the US after a judge rejected his lawyers’ bid to block a sex abuse case launched by Virginia Giuffre.
Ms Guiffre claims Jeffrey Epstein forced her to have sex with the royal on three occasions when she was just 17.
Andrew vehemently denies the claims.
The Queen stripped her son of his military affiliations and royal patronages earlier this month in a decisive response to the scandal.
He is also no longer allowed to use his HRH (His Royal Highness) title in any official capacity.
However, a source close to Andrew has reportedly now claimed that his royal patronages could be restored if he wins his civil case while the Queen is alive.
They told The Times: “I think if the Queen is still alive and his name is cleared I would say that at that point what reason would there be for him to be barred from taking part in royal duties.”
The associate believes Andrew is less likely to have his titles and patronages restored if he is cleared when Charles is king.
They added: “It’s a different decision-maker and different people influencing him and therefore it’s slightly less predictable.
“I think his brother is a very reasonable and intelligent person and I’m sure he will do what’s right for the royal family and for the country.”
The source said they thought there was no reason Andrew could not use HRH and his military titles again if he is cleared in court.
The associate believes Andrew will want to fight the claims in court to ‘clear his name’, instead of reaching a settlement with Ms Giuffre.
But Royal expert Ingrid Seward, who edits Majesty magazine, questioned ‘what on earth’ Andrew would do if he makes a return to public life.
REUTERS
It comes after amid an ongoing row over Prince Andrew’s publicly-funded police protection.
The Duke of York could be stripped of his bodyguards as early as next month, according to reports.
His Metropolitan Police and Home Office security detail is said to be under review.
The taxpayer currently pays for his police protection at an estimated cost of between £2million and £3million a year.
However, many have argued the royal should lose his publicly-funded security as Prince Harry was stripped of his when he stepped down as a senior royal.
One insider said: “Although no-one will comment on it publicly, this is an issue that is now actively being discussed by the Met’s Royal and VIP Executive Committee.
“‘The situation (with Harry) is awkward and may prompt a decision sooner rather than later. If Harry, who is no longer a working royal, does not get security in the UK, then why should Andrew?”
-
Top Feature Photo: Prince Andrew could have his royal patronages restored by the Queen if he beats his civil case in her lifetime, it’s claimed – Getty Images
