[imagesource: Emily Michot / Miami Herald]

Remember last year, when the Royal Family’s biggest headache was just the usual Meghan and Harry bashing, and rumours of a falling out between Harry and William?

Yes, those were simpler times.

Now the family has a real mess on their hands, as Prince Andrew is confronted with accusations that aren’t going away.

At the centre of it all is Virginia Roberts Giuffre (pictured above), who claims that she was forced to have sex with Andrew whilst she was underage.

As we recently learned, the flight logs from Jeffrey Epstein’s private jet back up many of her claims, and the patience of the British public is wearing very thin.

Here’s Sky News with the latest:

Virginia Roberts Giuffre was speaking outside a court in New York after more than 20 women who claim to have been sexually abused by late US financier Jeffrey Epstein – a friend of the duke – vented their anger during a hearing.

Ms Giuffre has previously alleged in court papers in Florida that she had sex with Andrew “three times, including one orgy” in London, at Epstein’s home, and at an “orgy” on his private island in the Caribbean.

At 17, she would have been under the age of consent in Florida.

Here is her statement:

Prince Andrew will no doubt continue to deny any and all wrongdoing, but perhaps the tide of public opinion is now turning against him.

Roberts Giuffre wasn’t the only woman who spoke up outside of the New York courthouse:

One of Epstein’s accusers, Courtney Wild, says she was abused by him at the age of 14.

She told the court she feels “very angry and sad” that he killed himself before going on trial for alleged sex trafficking, adding that “justice has never been served in this case”.

Another accuser, Sarah Ransome, said Epstein “showed the world what a depraved and cowardly human being he was by taking his own life”.

Chauntae Davies said she will “not let him win in death”.

Jennifer Araoz said: “The fact that I will never have a chance to face my predator in court eats away at my soul.”

Epstein escaped facing his victims, but wouldn’t it be quite something if Prince Andrew had to appear in court?

I doubt it will ever happen, though.

[source:skynews]