Prince Andrew - Again.

[andy-hughes]

Once again the Prince hits the headlines with a 'difference of opinion' between his lawyers and the American Justice system.

Reading between the lines, it would appear that the definition of the word 'co-operation' is the sticking point here.

On the one hand the Prince's team are offering his 'co-operation' to the Epstein enquiry, and on the other, the American section appear to view his team's interpretation of the term 'co-operation' as being rather less than they require.

It will eventually be sorted, and the details will be revealed.

Any thoughts?

[bhg481]

Well, one side says co-operation has been offered, the other side says it hasn't. Surely, particularly with lawyers being involved, there must be evidence if the offer was made.

[teacake44]

Only one thought really , the more he avoids this issue, and it looks very much like he is, the more guilty he looks, whether he is or not.

[sandyRoe]

Lawyers for the Prince might think a carefully worded statement denying everything would be co-operation enough.
The Americans could think something akin to a 3rd degree interrogation might be necessary to get to the truth.

[jackthehat]

I think, on balance, I sympathise with Prince Andrew's position.
Given the 'leaky' nature of American Investigations, the Freedom-of-the-press to print what it likes, and the potential mission-creep once the questioning begins I think I would be reluctant to offer myself up in the manner the Americans require.

[Gromit]

// US attorney Geoffrey Berman said Prince Andrew "has repeatedly declined our request" to schedule an interview.
The prince's lawyers previously rejected claims he had not co-operated, saying he offered to help three times. //

Of course Andrew doesn’t want to be helpful. The more he says, the more he confirms his guilt. So he will decline requests from the prosecutors, and then spin it as he is cooperating.

[andy-hughes]

Given Prince Andrew's proven inability to open his mouth without putting both feet firmly in it, I imagine his legal team want to ensure that everything that comes from their side is in writing, and has been written by them and checked a dozen times.

What the Americans are going to want is Andrew in a witness box answering questions with no help.

Having seen what a professional journalist with no axe to grind can do to him in that situation, imagine what a professional lawyer with a vested interest in getting the answers he wants in the way he wants them, would do!

No wonder each side is claiming the other is not playing fair.

[ToraToraTora]

well basically the septics want him in a cell and grilled. The prince's mob are offering to answer their questions ether by them visiting or by zoom.

[ToraToraTora]

AH: "What the Americans are going to want is Andrew in a witness box answering questions with no help. "
The prince could handle it no sweat!

[teacake44]

11.18 It would be very much like Piers Morgan ( love him or hate him) interviewing Boris, without any pre arranged questions. :0)

[ToraToraTora]

AH 11:18, yes I think that's pretty well it. After the monumentally poor performance against EM his team a rightly terrified of a proper interrogation.

[youngmafbog]

Well the Americans were not exactly helpful with the woman who killed that poor lad by driving on the wrong side of the road so expecting our Royalty to is simply not going to happen.

"The more he says, the more he confirms his guilt". I see your kangaroo Court is well in operation Gromit. Much as I despise the RF I always want things to be fair. I dont think they would be here too many American coppers would want to make a name for themselves. Anything he said would be twisted and leaked everywhere.

[Ellipsis]

> US attorney Geoffrey Berman said Prince Andrew "has repeatedly declined our request" to schedule an interview. The prince's lawyers previously rejected claims he had not co-operated, saying he offered to help three times.

Those two positions are not mutually exclusive. Both can be true, and I imagine they both are.

[andy-hughes]

Ellipsis - // The prince's lawyers previously rejected claims he had not co-operated, saying he offered to help three times. //

As I said in my OP, it does depend on your definition of the word 'co-operation'.

It's one of those phrases that has multiple meanings, like 'Helping the police with their enquiries … ' which conjures up an image at one end, of someone sitting with the sergeant having a chat and a cup of tea, or an image at the other end, with someone not enjoying a privates / rubber hose interface down in the cells!

[jno]

I saw on Twitter last night (but I haven't found it again) a Sky News clip with a voiceover announcing "we discuss the man suspected of killing Maddie" but unfortunately accompanied by a video clip of Prince Andrew.

[andy-hughes]

jno - // I saw on Twitter last night (but I haven't found it again) a Sky News clip with a voiceover announcing "we discuss the man suspected of killing Maddie" but unfortunately accompanied by a video clip of Prince Andrew. //

My rational self would not wish any harm on Prince Andrew, but part of me thinks the arrogance and charmlessness with which so many people label him is finally coming home to roost.

[Ellipsis]

Cooperation in this sense does not seem to extend agreeing to schedule an interview.

[jno]

it was just a cock-up, I should imagine, andy, some duty editor not quite paying attention. I would be veryalarmed if it was true.

[jno]

this was it

https://twitter.com/davidclewis/status/1270094085181911048

[postman44]

He's guilty of going with underage girls. Should face the consequences.

[jackthehat]

^ Is he?

Case closed.......obviously. I am surprised that there is a need for any further investigation.