Edge's News: Prince Andrew PAYS rape accuser Virginia Giuffre as he is seen for the first time since settling £12million

Prince Andrew has now paid sexual abuse accuser Virginia Roberts and has been pictured for the first time since settling with her. 

Prince Andrew - Duke of York

The Duke of York had last month agreed to pay a considerable sum of money, reported to be some £12 million, to settle a case brought by Ms Roberts.

She had alleged she was forced to have sex with the duke three times when she was 17 under the orders of the late paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein.

Ms Roberts had been given the go-ahead to sue Andrew, 61, for unspecified damages in a New York civil court In January and, despite vowing to fight the allegations and repeatedly protesting his innocence, the prince agreed to settle. 

Andrew is now believed to have paid his financial settlement to Ms Roberts, dismissing the lawsuit.  

It came as Andrew was seen leaving Windsor Castle in his Range Rover today wearing white wireless earbuds, which appear to be Apple AirPods, while behind the wheel. 

While there is no law specifically prohibiting using headphones while driving, a motorist can be penalised if they are found to have been distracted. Careless driving can mean an on-the-spot fine of £100 and three penalty points.

There is no suggestion Andrew was distracted.

Andrew said he would make a 'substantial donation' to her charity supporting victims' rights and also praised her 'bravery', saying he had 'never intended' to malign her character.

Although the parties have settled the case, the agreement is not an admission of liability from the duke and he has always strenuously denied the allegations against him.

The duke said in his statement that he 'regretted his association with Epstein' and pledged to demonstrate this 'by supporting the fight against the evils of sex trafficking, and by supporting its victims'.

An attachment to the letter announcing the settlement to the public and the United States District Court gave brief details of the agreement between Andrew and Ms Roberts but indicated the sum would not be disclosed.

The Duke's first sighting also comes following reports that Prince Charles is set to foot a part of the bill for Andrew's sexual abuse lawsuit.

The Prince of Wales will reportedly loan the Duke of York up to £7million, which will not include public money, after the royal agreed to pay a huge sum to his accuser Virginia Roberts to settle the case before it reached a jury.

The Duke of York has ten days to pay the money to Ms Roberts as part of his deal, according to The Sun.

He will pay back Prince Charles when he sells his ski chalet in Verbier, Switzerland, it is understood. 

A source said: 'There were family discussions about how to ''take a little from here and a little from there''. Once it (money from the chalet) hits his bank account, he can pay back his brother and whoever else has lent him money.

'But that payment (to Virginia) has to be paid on time.'  Last month it was claimed the Queen would also foot part of the bill for Prince Andrew's sexual abuse lawsuit, according to the Telegraph.