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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Christopher Bucktin & Milica Cosic

Prince Andrew says 'mystery development' will restore reputation 'in next few months'

Prince Andrew has told friends a soon-to-be revealed "mystery development" will restore his public shattered public reputation "in the next few months", it was claimed last night.

Although no details have been given, sources close to the Duke say it will be in the next few months.

The disgraced Duke of York was stripped of his public duties last year, after a car crash interview with the BBC over his friendship with billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

However, the 62-year-old duke has now reportedly said new details are about to be revealed that could change the people's perceptions of him.

A source says the royal tends to talk most openly when out shooting.

Andrew reportedly claims the development will happen in the next few months (PA)

A source told the Daily Mail: "He says that details are about to be made public which will change people's perceptions of him.

"He says that it will happen next month."

It comes after it was last night revealed that Andrew's accuser Virginia Giuffre has signed a deal for a book that has been 12 years in the making.

It is set to detail her alleged meetings with the Andrew, who she claims she was trafficked to by his friends Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

A publishing insider told The Mirror that plans have been drawn up to “maximise” Giuffre’s books release to coincide with the crowning of Andrew's brother, King Charles III.

The well-known photo showing the Duke of York next to Virginia Giuffre (PA)

The insider said: “Book releases are all about timing, and while there is speculation about whether Andrew will be seen at Westminister Abbey or on the ­Buckingham Palace balcony, what is certain is he will be seen on every bookshelf around the world.

“For the money the publisher has spent signing Virginia, they want to maximise their return. There will be no bigger occasion for her book than the crowning of the king.”

Last year, Andrew, 62, settled her civil rape claim against him with a reported £3million out-of-court settlement.

As part of the agreement, both parties consented to a one-year gag clause, which prevented her from publicly repeating the allegations against the royal.

That expires in March, weeks away from Charles's coronation, on May 6.

Andrew is said to be working closely with lawyers (Getty Images)

The insider said Ms Giuffre may not be able to repeat allegations about sex with the prince, but could still say she met him while with Epstein.

Our source added: “Either way, it pours further embarrassment on Andrew, the royals and the biggest day of his own brother’s life.”

Despite the payout to settle Ms ­Giuffre’s New York lawsuit, Andrew did not admit any wrongdoing and it has now been reported that he wants to launch a legal bid to reclaim the millions he paid her and force her into an apology.

It comes after she dropped a sexual abuse lawsuit against lawyer Alan Dershowitz, admitting she misidentified him.

This week it was reported that Andrew has amassed a £10million 'war chest' to launch a legal case against Ms Giuffre.

Virginia Giuffre alleged Epstein trafficked her (BBC/AFP via Getty Images)

He is said to want to clear his name after previously being “pressured” into settling the case to avoid overshadowing the Platinum Jubilee.

Andrew has reportedly been given fresh hope after Giuffre, withdrew her allegation against Mr Dershowtiz and admitted she “may have made a mistake”.

The Sun reported a royal source said: “Andrew has always insisted he is innocent and finally wants to prove it in a US court.

“He was pressured into settling the case to avoid overshadowing the Platinum Jubilee."

The report also added that King Charles was said to be “happy” for him to chase this and even though he wouldn’t publicly back him he still wants “the best for him”.

Andrew will reportedly claim in court that he never met Ms Giuffre and that a notorious photo of them together with Maxwell was faked.

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