Buckingham Palace has pushed back against reports claiming King Charles III helped fund the £12 million settlement paid by Prince Andrew to Virginia Giuffre.
A source close to the King said Charles had no involvement in the settlement, which was paid in 2022 to resolve a civil case linked to Andrew’s association with Jeffrey Epstein. The source dismissed suggestions that the King contributed £1.5 million towards the agreement.
The settlement followed allegations from Giuffre, who claimed Andrew sexually assaulted her when she was 17. Andrew has consistently denied the allegations and has said he does not recall meeting her.
According to GB News, Buckingham Palace made it clear that Charles had no role in the payment. This contradicts earlier claims reported by The Sun, which suggested that part of a loan Andrew received included around $2 million from Charles when he was Prince of Wales.
However, sources have since claimed that the majority of the settlement funds actually came from the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The renewed scrutiny comes after Charles issued a rare public statement addressing ongoing issues surrounding Andrew. The King said he would cooperate fully with police should they investigate further allegations involving his brother.
“The King has made clear, in words and through unprecedented actions, his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct,” the statement said.
It added that while the specific claims are for Andrew to address, the Palace would support Thames Valley Police if contacted, as expected.
