PRINCE Andrew's settlement is an "admission of guilt" and the duke had "no option" but to avoid a humiliating court battle, royal experts have blasted.

       Virginia Giuffre had been due to take shocking claims that the Duke of York raped and abused her when she was 17 to a jury trial.

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       Prince Andrew's settlement is an "admission of guilt", royal experts have blasted Credit: PA 2

       Virginia Giuffre had been due to take her shocking claims to a jury trial Credit: AP

       But the pair settled their differences out of court for an undisclosed sum of money - which has been speculated to be up to ￡14million.

       While Andrew has always strongly denied all the claims made against him - royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams questioned why he would agree to the fee if he was so sure of his innocence.

       Richard told the Sun: "Essentially has he admitted that he has done any wrong at all?

       "No. Regretting his association with Epstein doesn't count.

       "He claimed innocence, but he has settled and many would regard this as an admission of guilt.

       "If he was innocent then why did he pay?

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       "The amount is confidential but nonetheless he did not admit to any of the accusations.

       "It may therefore safely be assumed that at least this particular case is behind him.

       "What is in front of him, however, is huge."

       Richard said Buckingham Palace would be "breathing a sigh of relief" at Andrew's decision to settle, after giving him "no option" but to do so.

       He added: "[The Palace] will be very relieved, practically speaking.

       "There would have been tremendous pressure on him from senior members of the royal family to settle.

       "This has done enormous harm for them and cast a shadow on what is a unique year for the Queen."

       The bombshell comes as:

       Virginia and Andrew were both facing depositions under oath in coming weeks The Palace remains silent on Andrew's settlement Virginia was reported to have "lost" the infamous original photo of her with Andrew The Duke's lawyers were hunting for women who could "discredit" Virginia Andrew's mysterious wealth came under the spotlight as he lived a millionaire party lifestyle Prince Charles banished Andrew from Windsor and told him to "stay out of sight" Andrew's former physio slammed the Duke as "creepy" as he would get naked for massages

       For that reason, Andrew's decision was "no surprise".

       "He had no option but to do so," Richard added.

       "Andrew was going to be cross-examined by David Boies so it's not surprising.

       "This is very important.

       "I assume that this is the end of the case.

       "This was an inevitability because almost well over 90 per cent of civil cases are settled in this way.

       "It at least clears the issues. He could ignore it, he could fight it. He's done what he had to do.

       Andrew claimed innocence, but he has settled and many would regard this as an admission of guilt. If he was innocent then why did he pay?

       Richard Fitzwilliams

       "Essentially this means he won't face a jury trial. It brings an end to the legal process.

       "This draws a line under this particular case. His charity donation I think was necessary, but I don't know if it was sincere."

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