Britain's Prince Andrew has been served with the legal papers for a lawsuit in which he's accused of sexual abuse, court documents have claimed.
Lawyers representing Virginia Giuffre - who is suing the Duke of York - claim they were left with a police officer at Windsor's Royal Lodge last month.
The royal has always categorically denied any sexual contact or relationship with Ms Giuffre two decades ago when she was 17.
A spokesperson representing the royal has declined to comment on the latest development.
A US judge will ultimately make the final decision about whether Prince Andrew has been 'served' with the necessary legal documents.
Ms Giuffre claims she was a victim of financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
She has also accused Prince Andrew of abusing her.
Lawyer Lisa Bloom - who represents eight alleged victims of Epstein - has responded to the news of Prince Andrew reportedly being served papers.
She said: "Apparently he has been served. That means it’s game on for the lawsuit - it goes forward.
“After a couple of weeks pass, her attornies will be able to subpoena records, documents, logbooks, calendars, photos, texts, emails."
Prince Andrew has previously spoken publicly about his relationship with Epstein, acknowledging he "let the side down" as a member of the British royal family by staying with him.
He has also said he was elsewhere on the night he is accused of having sex with then 17-year-old Ms Giuffre in 2001.
The duke said he had "no recollection" of ever meeting her and that there were "a number of things that are wrong" about her account.
A New York court is now expected to hear the next stages of the US civil case against the prince on Monday.
Main image: File photo of Prince Andrew. Picture by: Tim Goode/PA Archive/PA Images
Additional reporting by IRN
