Sarah Ferguson’s ‘love’ for Prince Andrew despite claims: ‘Be 100% by his side’ | Royal | News

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The Duke of York, 61, is being sued by Virginia Roberts Giuffre for sexually assaulting her 20 years ago, when she was 17. The Queen’s son has vigorously denied Ms Giuffre’s claims, including that she was trafficked by Prince sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Today, Andrew’s legal team asked a U.S. judge to have the civil lawsuit against the royal dismissed without trial.

Judge Lewis Kaplan listened to arguments from Andrew’s lawyers at a hearing in New York and also heard from Ms Giuffre’s legal representatives.

Amid the sexual assault allegations made against Andrew, his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson recently showed her support for her ex-husband.

The couple, who divorced in 1996 and have two children together, have remained good friends.

The Duchess of York opened up about her support for Andrew in an interview with the Italian talk show Porta a Porta.

Speaking last month, she said: “I totally support Andrew 100%.

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“He’s such a nice and tall man, he’s a brilliant father and now a fantastic grandfather.

“I am very convinced that in this time when we must remain true to our hearts, what we believe to be right with integrity, honor and loyalty.”

Fergie appeared on the show to hook up her first romantic novel with Mills & Boon, “Her Heart for a Compass”.

However, despite wanting to promote his latest project, interviewer Bruno Vespa has asked the Duchess for details of her relationship with Andrew and other members of the royal family.

Fergie was asked when the happiest moment of her life was.

She added: “I believe that the love I have for him and that he has for me is very different from what normal people have.”

While Fergie has made her love and support for Andrew clear, the Duke’s future remains uncertain.

Today’s hearing comes after a document containing details of the $ 500,000 (£ 371,000) settlement paid by Epstein to Ms Roberts was first released to the public on Monday.

Under the deal, released by a New York court, Ms Roberts agreed to end her lawsuit against Epstein.

The previously confidential document also shows that she agreed not to prosecute any other “potential defendant”.

Andrew’s lawyers have claimed the deal, which doesn’t name the prince, means she can’t sue him.

However, his own legal team have argued that the Duke could not have been a potential defendant in the case against Epstein, and therefore Andrew may be subject to legal action now.

At the end of the hour-long hearing, Judge Kaplan said a decision on whether or not to quash the civil lawsuit against Andrew would be made “very soon.”

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