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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To want Prince Andrew to lose his title and go to prison?

228 replies

Fandango52 · 21/10/2025 00:28

I read an extract at the weekend of Virginia Giuffre’s book and it really shocked me. I was aware - like lots of people - of her case against Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell and Prince Andrew, and also watched Emily Maitlis’s interview with Prince Andrew when it came out a few years ago.

We know that Epstein and Maxwell went to prison and I think Andrew should also go to prison. He raped Virginia Giuffre and lied about this, repeatedly denying he had actually met her. This would definitely lead to criminal charges for non-royals (even if the case was later dropped, as it often is with rape - which is another story).

I know it’s likely Andrew won’t go to prison - mainly because he is a prince - and I find that so grim. I know he’s lost some of his titles, like his dukedom, but I don’t think that is enough.

I have no connection to the case at all and no reason to be particularly invested in it, apart from the fact it’s shocking and quite unique, and because I think it’s hugely unjust that Andrew probably won’t be brought to justice because he was born royal.

AIBU to think Andrew should at least be tried in court - and if found guilty, should lose his titles and go to prison?

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Meadowfinch · 21/10/2025 01:31

What happened to the process of law? To innocent until proven guilty? Have the standards of 'beyond all reasonable doubt" been met?

I don't think they have. It is his word against hers.

Did she write that book, to maximise her financial legacy for her family? Did she exaggerate through anger and trauma? Did she tell the absolute truth? As she saw it, or as it was? Was her book a final act of revenge? I don't know and neither do you.

Just because you don't like someone, because he is an arrogant entitled fool and you are jealous of the advantages he has had in life, does not make him a criminal. Proof is needed to deprive someone of their freedom.

I prefer to live in a country where being sent to prison depends on a high standard of proof, and it applies to everyone equally. Trial by broadsheet is nothing to aspire to.

Fandango52 · 21/10/2025 01:26

GrimDamnFanjo · 21/10/2025 01:06

id Prefer his removal from public life, his titles and his house. Let him live in the suburbs on his naval pension.

I see where you’re coming from about letting him fade into obscurity.

I can’t look past the fact that he raped VG though - as everything points out that this happened - and want him to face justice for that.

If that doesn’t happen (and I doubt it will happen), I think it sends out the wrong message. Basically, it says that being a royal lets you get away with things.

I know rich and powerful people - mostly men - usually do get away with awful things. But I really want this to be a turning point.

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GrimDamnFanjo · 21/10/2025 01:06

id Prefer his removal from public life, his titles and his house. Let him live in the suburbs on his naval pension.