Palace concern over Andrew's counter-attack

Facing jury is a 'huge gamble'. Fallout may hit monarchy

- RUSSELL MYERS

PRINCE Andrew is taking the "ultimate gamble" by demanding to be tried by a jury in his civil sex case, royal sources say.

Senior royals are understood to fear the Duke of York's "counter-attack" against accuser Virginia Giuffre could expose him, irreparably damage the monarchy and overshadow the Queen's platinum jubilee year.

Andrew, 61, has hit back at the claims of rape and sexual assault by his accuser Virginia Giuffre, who this month won the right to take him to trial in the US.

In his first official response to the court, the Queen's son rejected 41 allegations by Ms Giuffre.

Andrew, who denies all wrongdoing, demanded a “trial by jury with sources close to him saying he is "committed to clearing his name”.

Royal insiders last night questioned Andrew's tactics and "shift in mood”.

One said: “It's the ultimate gamble. He is putting himself at the mercy of a jury and attempting to distance himself from people like Ghislaine Maxwell, when he is on record discussing their friendship and has known her for decades.