How Is Sarah Ferguson Involved In Prince Andrew's Legal Troubles?

Prince Andrew's legal troubles have escalated after Virginia Roberts Giuffre accused him of sexually assaulting her three times when she was 17 years old, according to the New York Post. Andrew was friends with the late Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell; the couple sex trafficked Giuffre, and she claims that Andrew raped her in London, England, New York City, and on Epstein's island in the Caribbean, according to the Daily Mail. Andrew has denied the claims against him.

Andrew has been avoiding the court case and allegedly hiding at Queen Elizabeth II's Balmoral estate in Scotland, according to the Daily Beast. In fact, he missed the birth of his granddaughter, Princess Beatrice's child, in his desire not to leave the estate. Not only that, but reports have surfaced that the queen is paying millions for Andrew's ongoing legal battle, as The Telegraph reports. Clearly, it's become a family issue. So what does this have to do with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson? It looks like she's about to get involved.

New York-based federal Judge Lewis Kaplan signed an order, giving Prince Andrew until October 29 to respond to the lawsuit brought against him by Virginia Roberts Giuffre, according to the New York Post. A remote hearing is scheduled for November 3.

Andrew has remained close to his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson in all of this, and as the Daily Mail reports, she will likely be subpoenaed "if Andrew fails to get his case thrown out." Ferguson went to Balmoral with Andrew when he fled and told the Financial Times that she believes Andrew's ongoing denial of having sexual relations with Giuffre. Ferguson apparently believes Andrew completely and said, "I want him [Andrew] to come through this. I want him to win."

Ferguson reiterated her complete faith in Andrew and his innocence: ​​"No question. I know everything about him. I think he is an extraordinary person." While Andrew's situation grows increasingly more serious, it's clear he has his ex-wife and his mother on his side.

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).