Sunrise's Nat Barr questions shock Prince Andrew settlement : 'Why is he paying?'

Sunrise host Nat Barr has questioned the details around Prince Andrew's out-of-court settlement with his accuser, Virginia Giuffre.

Nat was speaking to Russell Myers, the royal editor for Britain's Daily Mirror, when she questioned why someone who has always claimed they were innocent would agree to a substantial payout.

Myers explained that the settlement does not mean he is admitting to anything, but the payment was likely agreed upon so as to save the royals from the embarrassment of a trial.

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He added that they are likely "breathing a sigh of relief" now Andrew isn't going to court in the US.

"Yeah, I suppose the obvious question is: if he didn't do anything, why is he paying any money? Would the palace have influenced the decision?" Nat questioned.

Myers agreed that Andrew was likely pushed to settle after previously claiming his innocence and demanding to go to court.

"This had been an absolute stain on the monarchy for many months now, and with the Queen's Platinum Jubilee coming up... it would have been unthinkable for this to go to trial," he responded.

Myers added, "Many people will be hoping that he sort of fades into the background now."

Andrew's settlement

In a letter submitted to the United States District Court on Tuesday, Giuffre's lawyer David Boies wrote jointly with Andrew's lawyers to say that the parties had "reached a settlement in principle".

Court documents show the Duke will make a "substantial donation to Ms Giuffre's charity in support of victims' rights".

Andrew has also pledged to "demonstrate his regret for his association with Epstein" by supporting the "fight against the evils of sex trafficking, and by supporting its victims".

Buckingham Palace declined to comment.

Giuffre made the claim against Andrew for damages in her home country of the US, claiming she was trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein to have sex with the royal when she was 17, a minor under US law.

An attachment to the letter announcing the settlement gave brief details of the agreement between Andrew and Ms Giuffre but indicated the sum would not be disclosed.

"Virginia Giuffre and Prince Andrew have reached an out of court settlement," it read.

"The parties will file a stipulated dismissal upon Ms Giuffre's receipt of the settlement (the sum of which is not being disclosed).

"Prince Andrew intends to make a substantial donation to Ms. Giuffre's charity in support of victims' rights.

"Prince Andrew has never intended to malign Ms. Giuffre's character, and he accepts that she has suffered both as an established victim of abuse and as a result of unfair public attacks.

"It is known that Jeffrey Epstein trafficked countless young girls over many years.

"Prince Andrew regrets his association with Epstein, and commends the bravery of Ms Giuffre and other survivors in standing up for themselves and others.

"He pledges to demonstrate his regret for his association with Epstein by supporting the fight against the evils of sex trafficking, and by supporting its victims."

With reporting by AAP and Reuters.

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