Court papers served to Prince Andrew amid rape allegations by Epstein victim

According to the Mirror, legal staff handed the court documents to royal protection officers at Windsor Palace two weeks ago, after being told that the lawyers could not meet with Andrew in person.

Andrew is reportedly understood to be aware of this development.

Under the Hauge Convention, the team representing Virginia Roberts Giuffre must present the papers to Andrew in person, but according to the Mirror, legal documents filed ing the US state that the summons have been served to Andrew properly under UK law.

If found to be properly served, Andrew has until next Friday to respond to the allegations against him, of which he has previously stated that he has no recollection of.

The suit’s first hearing will be on September 13, where her lawyers must tell he judge is Andrews has the documents. If found to not have been served the documents by December 7, "legal experts warn the case may collapse," according to the Mirror.

US civil litigation lawyer Spencer Kuvin, who represents several of Epstein’s victims, said Andrew's legal team could try to dismiss the allegations on grounds that include diplomatic immunity.

Giuffre, then 17 years old, was allegedly forced to engage in sexual acts with the Prince and was given “express or implied threats” by Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and/or Andrew, according to the Associated Press.

Giuffre’s lawyer David Boies has previously confirmed that they were trying to serve Andrew the lawsuit by hand, adding that "We'll present a copy of the complaint in a formal way. He is a foreign citizen so we must do this under the Hague Convention."

According to the Mirror, Boies has said Andrew "cannot hide behind wealth and palace walls" and must respond to the allegations.