Prince Andrew’s Court Case Made “Abolish the Monarchy” Trend on Twitter
The lawsuit stems from his alleged connection to Jeffrey Epstein.
![ascot, united kingdom june 18 embargoed for publication in uk newspapers until 48 hours after create date and time prince andrew, duke of york queen elizabeth ii watch the horses in the parade ring as they attend day 2 of royal ascot at ascot racecourse on june 18, 2014 in ascot, england photo by max mumbyindigogetty images](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CWvrimsFJPEPaxffrSrJqE-415-80.jpg)
The allegations of sexual impropriety brought against Prince Andrew are deeply troubling, and now they’re causing some Britons to call for scrapping the monarchy altogether. After more news about the lawsuit against the Duke of Yorke and his response to claims made by his accuser were made public, the hashtag #abolishthemonarchy trended on Twitter in England, according to Express UK.
Back in 2019, Virginia Giuffre filed a suit against the Duke of Yorke for sexual abuse during an alleged incident that occurred in 2001 when she was underage, and which stemmed from Andrew’s reported associations with Jeffrey Epstein. Prince Andrew denies the allegations. And though the Palace has publicly distanced itself from him and he has been permanently removed from royal duties, the Queen is reportedly helping him fund his legal battles from her private accounts.
This week, lawyers representing Prince Andrew in the U.S. filed to have the lawsuit dismissed before Prince Andrew is forced to give testimony under oath. A 38-page memo from his legal team that went public called Giuffre’s claims “frivolous” and “lurid,” and accused her of trying to “seek a payday at [Andrew’s] expense.” The document also claims that Giuffre signed an agreement with Epstein in 2009 that exempted Prince Andrew from being sued by her, as well.
In response, Giuffre’s lawyer, David Boies, slammed the Duke’s response for trying to bring in facts that were in dispute in the motion to dismiss, instead of at trial where they can be actually proven or disproven. “Andrew’s bid to dismiss the lawsuit fails to confront the serious allegations,” Boies wrote.
The furor over the new documents erupted on Twitter with calls to end the monarchy:
#AbolishTheMonarchy There is no justification for a society to put one family on a pedestal and allow them such privileges and rewards.Why should I, or anyone else, bend the knee to someone given power through birth?October 30, 2021
I'm incandescent with fury that my taxes will be used to defend a predator. Either Prince Andrew doesn't know Virginia Giuffre, or he had her sign a legal document. Both can't be true.#abolishthemonarchyOctober 30, 2021
Now why would Prince Andrew be doing everything possible to get off on a technicality?And why are we paying for all these attempts to pervert justice?#AbolishTheMonarchy https://t.co/IZ9ZqwHufVOctober 30, 2021
Whether or not you agree that the monarchy should still exist in 2021, it’s telling that these allegations against Prince Andrew are causing damage to the reputation of the entire royal family. Whether their attempts to distance themselves from him will be enough to stop the ire remains to be seen.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Marie Claire is committed to celebrating the richness and scope of women's lives. We're known for our award-winning features, thoughtful essays and op-eds, deep commitment to sustainable fashion, and buzzy interviews and reviews. Reaching millions of women every month, MarieClaire.com is an internationally-recognized destination for celebrity news, fashion trends, beauty recommendations, and renowned investigative packages.
-
Zendaya Delivers a Podium-Worthy Pre-Olympics Gown
She's shining brighter than the City of Lights.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
'Love Island USA' Star Kenny Rodriguez Is Not "Playing Around" with His and JaNa Craig's Romance Outside of the Villa
The prince and princess of season 6 have remained the cutest couple since filming wrapped.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
So Many Celebrity Beauty Favorites Are in Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
Shop Jennifer Lopez, Meghan Markle, and Kaia Gerber's beloved picks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Royals, Paul McCartney, Nicola Coughlan, Salma Hayek... Was Taylor Swift's London Eras Tour Her Most Star-Studded Yet?
Imagine all the people........
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Sarah Ferguson Finally Addresses Whether She’ll Remarry Prince Andrew or Not
This seems to be the final word on the matter, which has been speculated about since their 1996 divorce.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
As the Battle Over Royal Lodge Rages On Between Brothers King Charles and Prince Andrew, Andrew Is Bringing In a “Secret Weapon” to Help Plead His Case
The fight over possession of the 30-room mansion on the Windsor Estate has dragged on for 18 months and counting.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Kate Middleton Confirms She Will Attend Trooping the Colour in a Heartfelt Update on Her Cancer Treatment
"I am making good progress."
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
King Charles and Younger Brother Prince Andrew’s Feud Over Royal Lodge Is Reportedly “So Bitter” That It Rivals That of Prince William and Prince Harry
One brothers-at-odds narrative was already one too many.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Prince Andrew’s Home, Royal Lodge, Is Reportedly “Crumbling” and “Needs Extensive Repairs,” But He Still Refuses to Vacate the Property
The drama continues.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Could the Next Royal Wedding Be Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, Part 2?
The Duke and Duchess of York married in 1986 and divorced 10 years later—but have remained famously close, even living together up to the present day.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
As If Prince Andrew Wasn’t Humiliated Enough, Actor Rufus Sewell Admits He Had to Wear A Large Prosthetic Bum to Portray Him in Netflix's 'Scoop'
You can see it for yourself when the film comes out on Friday.
By Rachel Burchfield Published