While 2022 was set to be a celebratory year for the Queen as she marks her Platinum Jubilee, the royal family have been rocked yet again as Prince Andrew’s alleged sex abuse case heads to court.
Earlier this month, the case – brought by one of late sex offender and convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein’s victims, Virginia Giuffre – hung by a thread as the Duke of York’s legal team battled to have it thrown out.
But last week, a judge in New York refused to dismiss the case – in which Virginia accuses Prince Andrew, 61, of having sex with her three times when she was a teenager, allegations he denies – and scheduled a court date for a civil trial later this year. It will likely see Prince Andrew appear in court either in person or via video link, and may even see members of the royal family called to testify.
Check out: the most incredible showbiz stories of the decade
Most incredible showbiz stories of the decade slider
1 of 11Coleen Rooney Vs Rebekah Vardy
WAG Coleen Rooney OUTED fellow footie wifey Rebekah Vardy as the sneaky source leaking stories to the press. Turning detective, Coleen posted fake news on her Instagram account, blocking people from viewing her posts one by one (I mean, who even has the time?) to see which person left would spill the beans. And, hey, presto, it looked as though Rebekah Vardy was the culprit. Sharing her findings publicly, it seems Coleen has had the last laugh.
2 of 11Peter Andre and Katie Price split
Jungle lovers Peter Andre and Katie Price shocked the nation with their marital breakdown. After five years together and with two children, Junior and Princess, Peter ended their partnership believing Katie had been unfaithful – which Katie disputed. True or not, the pair have never seen eye to eye since.
3 of 11Cheryl is booted off US X Factor
Music mogul sent Cheryl packing he dismissed her from the American X Factor as fans reportedly couldn't understand her accent. Sitting as a judge for hardly a second, the pop princess wasn't pleased. She went on to send highly offensive messages to her former boss; it wasn't permanent, though, as Cheryl rejoined the UK X Factor in 2014.
4 of 11Bruce transforms into Caitlyn Jenner
Fans went wild when the Kardashian's klan's father and sportsman Bruce Jenner transitioned into Caitlyn in 2015, making her debut on the cover of Vanity Fair with the head line, 'Call me Caitlyn'.
5 of 11Liam Payne and Cheryl got together and had a baby
Cheryl and Liam's love affair began back in December 2015, with rumours of their flirting during the time of the X Factor Final (which was the last time One Direction performed together). Liam and Cheryl confirmed their relationship in February as Liam updated his profile picture to one of the pair of them together. He also deleted all photos of his ex-girlfriend Sophia.
6 of 11Harvey Weinstein sexual abuse allegations
In 2017, the New York Times reported on numerous allegations of sexual assault made against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. Claimants said that he forced women to massage him, watch him naked, and he would use his position of power to offer help to advance their careers for sexual favours. Actresses Rose McGowan and Ashley Judd came forward, and George Clooney said his behaviour was indefensible.
7 of 11Amy Winehouse found dead
The award-winning Amy Winehouse was found dead at her house when she was 27-years-old in 2011. When she was first found, her death was "unexplained", but it was then confirmed as an overdose of alcohol, two years later.
8 of 11Prince William and Kate Middleton wedding
On April 29th 2011, Prince William and Kate Middleton married in Westminster Abbey. After the ceremony, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made their way over to Buckingham Palace by horse and carriage and were greeted by crowds of the public.
9 of 11One Direction split
When Britain's biggest boy band announced they were splitting, the nation went into meltdown. One Direction split in 2015 after winning Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards. After Zayn left the band in March, fans thought they were splitting to follow suit, however a representative confirmed that the split would have happened "with or without Zayn".
10 of 11Bruce Forsyth's passing
In August 2017, entertainer and presenter, Bruce Forsyth, passed away at the age of 89. Bruce presented Strictly Come Dancing with Tess Daly from 2004 to 2014. The BBC reported that he was unwell for some time, and was admitted to hospital after suffering a severe chest infection.Tess now presents the show with presenter and radio personality, Claudia Winkleman, and it's fans say that the show hasn't been the same since.
11 of 11The end of Big Brother
In 2018, we saw the FINAL season final of Big Brother. Channel 5 announced that the reality show would not be returning after 18 years on the box. The show first appeared on our screens in the year 2000, and a spokesperson told the BBC, "The forthcoming series of Big Brother will be the last - of either celebrity or civilian versions - on Channel 5."We'd like to thank Endemol and all of the production team who have worked tirelessly to make the show a success."
Two days after the news, the Queen announced that Prince Andrew had been stripped of his HRH title, his royal patronages and military affiliations, and would no longer be undertaking public duties – reportedly as a result of a “crisis summit” between the royals where Prince Charles and Prince William urged the Queen to cut him out “to ensure the survival of the royal family”. She is reportedly also refusing to pay towards his legal fees. Instead, he’s been forced to sell the £17m ski chalet he shares with ex-wife Sarah Ferguson to pay costs.
It’s believed he may try to appeal the court’s decision, with sources previously saying he is keen to reach a financial agreement out of court – despite reports suggesting that Virginia is likely to refuse a £3.7m settlement.
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And royal expert and biographer Katie Nicholl tells Closer the royals will be reeling.
She says, “It’s obviously a devastating blow to Prince Andrew, and to the family. This really threatens to overshadow what should be an incredible year for them. The prospect of an autumn civil court case poses huge challenges and it’ll take a toll on the Queen.
“She’s been looking forward to her Jubilee for years, but she’s had health issues, and it’s still not entirely clear how she’s doing. It would take a toll on any 95 year old. “I imagine it’ll be all systems go behind closed doors, with strategic planning as to how this year and the Jubilee celebrations will play out. I don’t think Andrew will have any part to play. Prince William and Kate, as well as Prince Charles and Camilla, will likely be given centre stage, and they’ll step up to support the Queen.”
This autumn will also see the release of Prince Harry’s memoir. It’s part of a £20m deal and comes after he and wife Meghan – who quit royal life in 2020 and moved to the US – made shocking claims about the royals last year, alleging racism and neglect over Meghan’s mental health.
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Tensions are still running high between the Cambridges and Sussexes and Harry, 37, and Meghan, 40, failed to publicly wish Kate a happy 40th birthday last week, despite William, 39, and Kate congratulating Meghan on hers last August.
Katie adds, “The royals will want to show themselves as a functional, strong family, but this will be threatened by the release of Harry’s book, around the same time as Andrew’s court case. They’ll want to keep things as stable as possible, so there could be olive branches from the royal family to Harry and Meghan. Any more bombshells from them would be the worst thing possible.”