Prince Andrew Under Police Investigation for Alleged Information Request
The Metropolitan Police in London are currently investigating allegations that Prince Andrew solicited a police officer assigned as his bodyguard in 2011 to gather damaging information on sexual assault accuser Virginia Giuffre. According to a report by the Mail on Sunday, Prince Andrew allegedly provided the officer with Giuffre’s date of birth and confidential social security number to check for any criminal history or other potentially harmful details. This request reportedly coincided with the publication of a photograph depicting Giuffre’s initial meeting with the prince.
Although it remains unclear if the officer acted on Andrew’s request, Giuffre’s family has asserted that she did not have a criminal record. This new inquiry follows Buckingham Palace’s announcement that Andrew has decided to relinquish his title of Duke of York along with other honors. This decision comes amid revelations that he maintained contact with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein longer than previously acknowledged.
In a statement, Andrew expressed that discussions with King Charles III and his family led to the conclusion that ongoing accusations against him detracted from royal duties. He stated, “I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first.” Andrew’s previous withdrawal from public life five years ago remains a pivotal decision for him.
Virginia Giuffre, who tragically died by suicide in April 2023, previously sued Andrew in April 2021, claiming he forced her into sexual acts when she was just 17 years old. Giuffre accused Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, of trafficking her to Andrew. The lawsuit concluded with an out-of-court settlement in March 2022, for a reported sum of £12 million. Throughout these proceedings, Andrew has consistently denied the allegations.
In response to the recent developments, Giuffre’s family deemed Andrew’s decision to step down from royal titles as “vindication for our sister and survivors everywhere.” They have urged King Charles to strip Andrew of his prince status as well, stating, “This moment serves as victory for Virginia… and for every single survivor of the horrific crimes perpetrated by Epstein and his co-conspirators.”
The emergence of emails revealing Andrew’s ongoing communication with Epstein has further tarnished the reputation of the House of Windsor. The fallout from Andrew’s disastrous 2019 BBC interview, where he sought to deny allegations of sexual misconduct and downplay his connection to Epstein, has contributed to a long-standing effort to distance the monarchy from his controversies.
British Energy Secretary Ed Miliband commented on the allegations, expressing concern over the potential misuse of police resources, stating, “These are deeply concerning allegations… if that is correct, that is absolutely not the way that close protection officers should be used.”
Despite the mounting scrutiny, Andrew has reiterated his position, continuing to “vigorously deny” any wrongdoing. Alongside his removal from the Duke of York title, he will also relinquish additional honors, including the Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order and the Royal Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. Yet, he will retain his title as prince, which he received at birth.
