UPDATE: The Metropolitan Police have launched an urgent investigation into whether Prince Andrew solicited a bodyguard in 2011 to gather damaging information on sexual assault accuser Virginia Giuffre. This shocking revelation comes amid fresh scrutiny following Andrew’s recent decision to relinquish his royal titles.
The police confirmed they are “actively looking into” media reports indicating that the prince requested his bodyguard to check if Giuffre had a criminal record. This request reportedly occurred as the Mail on Sunday was preparing to publish a notorious photograph of Andrew with Giuffre, which has since become central to the allegations against him.
The scandal surrounding Andrew has intensified following an email surfaced last week, revealing that he had maintained contact with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein longer than previously disclosed. In the email dated February 28, 2011, Andrew told Epstein, “we are in this together” and urged him to “rise above it.” This correspondence has led to calls for King Charles III to strip Andrew of his remaining titles entirely.
Giuffre’s family has welcomed the recent developments, stating that the prince should face further consequences for his actions. They emphasized that Giuffre, who died by suicide in April 2023 at age 41, did not have a criminal record, countering any attempts to discredit her.
Ed Miliband, the British Energy Secretary, voiced his concerns on the allegations during a Sunday news program, stating, “These are deeply concerning allegations. If correct, that is absolutely not the way that close protection officers should be used.”
The fallout from Andrew’s controversial friendship with Epstein has been ongoing, culminating in his withdrawal from public duties in November 2019 after a disastrous interview aimed at quelling media speculation. During that interview, Andrew denied any wrongdoing regarding his relationship with Giuffre, who was trafficked by Epstein when she was just 17.
Despite settling a civil lawsuit with Giuffre in 2022, Andrew has consistently denied any allegations against him, asserting that he “vigorously denies” the accusations of sexual assault.
As the investigation progresses, the implications for the monarchy could be significant, particularly with Giuffre’s posthumous memoir set for release on Tuesday. The public’s attention remains firmly fixed on this developing story, raising questions about the future of Prince Andrew and the royal family’s efforts to distance themselves from past scandals.
With mounting pressure for accountability, the ongoing police investigation could expose deeper layers of this troubling saga. Stay tuned for further updates as this story continues to unfold.