The Metropolitan Police said on Sunday that it is “actively” looking into media reports that Prince Andrew attempted to obtain personal information about his late accuser, Virginia Giuffre, through his police protection officers.
“We are aware of media reporting and are actively looking into the claims made,” the force said.
Ms Giuffre, who took her own life earlier this year, had claimed she was sexually exploited by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his circle, including being forced to have sex with Prince Andrew on three occasions, including when she was 17 at the London home of Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell in 2001. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking.
According to the Mail on Sunday, Prince Andrew allegedly asked a Metropolitan Police bodyguard to investigate Virginia Giuffre shortly before the newspaper published a photograph of their first meeting in February 2011. Reports indicate he provided her date of birth and U.S. Social Security number, seemingly suggesting she had a criminal record. The Sunday Telegraph also reported that the prince sought to “dig up dirt” on Giuffre.
Prince Andrew has not commented on these latest reports but has consistently denied all allegations against him. Buckingham Palace has been contacted for comment.
Emily Maitlis, who conducted the 2019 BBC Newsnight interview with the prince, described the reports as “a long time coming,” noting that emails from February 2011 appear to contradict Andrew’s claim that he had severed ties with Epstein in 2010. One email reportedly read: “Keep in close touch and we’ll play some more soon!” Maitlis said it “does not suggest that he had ever finished that friendship.”
Prince Andrew has faced a series of scandals over recent years, including an out-of-court settlement with Ms Giuffre in 2022 following a civil case. A posthumous memoir by Ms Giuffre, due to be released next week, is expected to bring renewed attention to his connections with Epstein and her allegations.
Speaking on BBC One, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband called the claims “deeply concerning,” emphasizing that close protection officers should not be used in such a manner.
On Friday, Prince Andrew announced he would voluntarily step back from using his royal titles, including the Duke of York designation, and give up membership of the Order of the Garter, further reducing his formal royal role. He had previously ceased to be a “working royal” and lost the use of the HRH title.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jenny Bond said public pressure on Andrew is likely to continue, stressing that the focus remains on the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, including Virginia Giuffre.
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