The Metropolitan Police have launched a fresh examination into claims that Prince Andrew asked a police bodyguard to uncover confidential information about his accuser, Virginia Giuffre, in an attempt to discredit her.
The Core Allegations
According to reports, the investigation centres on claims that the Duke of York provided a royal protection officer with Ms Giuffre's date of birth and her confidential US social security number. This alleged request was made so the officer could find out private details about her.
The claims are supported by an email Andrew reportedly sent to the late Queen Elizabeth's deputy press secretary, Ed Perkins, on the day before the infamous photo of him with his arm around Ms Giuffre was published in February 2011. In the email, Andrew stated, "It would seem she has a criminal record in the States," adding, "I have given her DoB and social security number for investigation with (redacted) the on duty PPO."
The Police Investigation Intensifies
As part of their initial assessment, the Met Police are now actively searching for emails, phone records, and notebooks belonging to Andrew's former personal protection officers. It is understood that at least two of his former protection officers have already been spoken to by police.
A source revealed that while internal Met emails are typically deleted after six years, electronic devices are held in storage. Crucially, the notebooks of royalty protection officers are kept for 30 years, potentially providing a vital paper trail for investigators.
The Met has stated it is 'considering whether any further assessment or review' of the case is necessary following these new claims.
Potential Legal Consequences
There is no suggestion that the officer acted on Andrew's request. However, if they had, it would have been a serious breach of data protection laws and could have constituted the criminal offence of misconduct in public office.
In such a scenario, Andrew himself could potentially face allegations of assisting misconduct in public office. Dai Davies, the former head of the Met’s Royal Protection Command, has been vocal, stating, "There is enough evidence now for Andrew to be interviewed under caution."
He further questioned the pace of the investigation, adding, "I have to ask why the Met are taking so long to start a proper investigation as there’s a clear prima facie case here. If it was you or I doing the same thing, asking a police officer to commit malfeasance, then they would have been knocking at our door."
This development comes just a month after Andrew was stripped of his royal titles and military affiliations. Buckingham Palace has declined to comment, and Andrew has consistently denied all accusations made against him.
