UK Police Investigate Claims Prince Andrew Used Bodyguard to Probe Accuser

LONDON – The Metropolitan Police (Met) has confirmed it is “actively looking into” media reports alleging that Prince Andrew attempted to obtain personal and confidential information about his accuser, Virginia Giuffre, through his publicly-funded police protection detail.

The investigation comes just days after the Duke of York announced he was giving up the use of his royal titles, including the Duke of York, amid sustained public pressure over his long-standing association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the allegations made by Ms. Giuffre.

According to reports in The Mail on Sunday and The Sunday Telegraph, Prince Andrew allegedly asked one of his police protection officers to investigate Ms. Giuffre in February 2011, shortly before a now-infamous photograph of him with the then-teenager was published.

The reports claim Andrew provided the officer with Ms. Giuffre’s date of birth and confidential social security number, suggesting an attempt to “dig up dirt” on her. The Met released a statement on Sunday confirming they are aware of the reports and are investigating the claims.

Ms. Giuffre, who tragically took her own life earlier this year, alleged she was trafficked by Epstein and forced to have sex with Andrew on three occasions, including when she was 17 in 2001 at the home of Ghislaine Maxwell. Andrew has consistently and vigorously denied all allegations.

The latest scandal follows Andrew’s announcement on Friday that he would stop using his titles and honours, including the prestigious Order of the Garter, in what was seen as a move to shield the monarchy from further controversy.

His decision was welcomed but also met with demands for further action. Ms. Giuffre’s brother, Sky Roberts, publicly called on King Charles III to go a step further and strip Andrew of his title of “Prince”, which he retains by birthright.

The controversy is expected to intensify next week with the posthumous release of Ms. Giuffre’s memoir, which will cast further attention on the prince’s involvement with Epstein. Andrew previously settled a civil case brought by Ms. Giuffre in 2022 for an undisclosed sum, despite maintaining his denial of her claims.