Britain’s Prince Andrew is facing renewed scrutiny following reports that he asked police in 2011 to investigate the personal information of Virginia Giuffre, the woman who accused him of sexually abusing her as a teenager.
The Mail on Sunday reported that the Duke of York, who recently announced he would no longer use his royal title, allegedly sent an email to Queen Elizabeth’s deputy press secretary requesting that one of his personal protection officers obtain Giuffre’s date of birth and social security number.
He reportedly claimed she had a criminal record in the United States — a claim her family has denied.
London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed that it is “actively looking into” the allegations. Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement.
Prince Andrew, 65, the younger brother of King Charles, has long denied the accusations, which stem from his association with the late U.S. financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He said last week that the allegations had become a distraction from the work of the Royal Family.
The report comes amid heightened public attention following the release of Giuffre’s memoir. She died by suicide in April.
Andrew stepped down from his role as UK trade ambassador in 2011, withdrew from royal duties in 2019, and was stripped of his military titles and patronages in 2022.
That same year, he settled a civil lawsuit filed by Giuffre in the United States.
British Energy Secretary Ed Miliband described the new revelations as “deeply concerning” in an interview with the BBC.
Ravenewsonline reports that investigations are ongoing and further updates are expected.
