Prince Andrew under police scrutiny over Giuffre claims

Published: 20 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Prince Andrew is facing renewed public attention as the Metropolitan Police confirm they are actively investigating allegations that he attempted to pressure a personal protection officer into gathering compromising information on his accuser, Virginia Giuffre.

The claims, which emerged following a report by the Mail on Sunday, suggest that Andrew sent an email to the deputy press secretary of Queen Elizabeth at the time, providing sensitive personal details about Giuffre. According to the correspondence, Andrew included Giuffre’s date of birth and social security number and indicated that he believed she had a criminal record in the United States. Giuffre’s family has firmly denied that she has any such record, highlighting the disputed nature of the information.

The report does not indicate that the bodyguard, who was allegedly contacted, acted on the request. Nonetheless, the Metropolitan Police have acknowledged the claims and confirmed that they are reviewing the evidence as part of their ongoing investigations. A spokesperson for the force stated that authorities are “aware of reporting and investigating the claims,” signalling that the matter is being treated with formal scrutiny.

This development comes in the aftermath of Prince Andrew’s unprecedented decision to relinquish the use of all his royal titles and honours. The Duke of York stepped back from his public roles amid a long-running legal battle tied to accusations of sexual abuse connected to the notorious financier Jeffrey Epstein. His withdrawal from royal duties marked a significant moment in a saga that has repeatedly attracted international attention and legal examination.

The timing of the allegations is particularly notable, coming just days before the posthumous publication of Giuffre’s memoir. Her book, expected to attract widespread readership, revisits her experiences and the high-profile legal and personal battles associated with the Epstein case. Observers note that the memoir may provide additional context or evidence relevant to ongoing investigations, potentially influencing public perception and legal outcomes.

Prince Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing throughout the controversy. His legal team and public statements have maintained that he is not implicated in criminal activities related to Giuffre or the wider Epstein network. Nonetheless, the renewed police inquiry underscores the continued scrutiny facing the former royal, reflecting both legal and reputational pressures that have surrounded him for more than a decade.

The nature of the allegations concerning attempts to influence or coerce a member of his security detail adds a complex layer to the ongoing investigation. Legal experts note that while no criminal charge has been publicly filed regarding this specific claim, the Metropolitan Police’s interest indicates that authorities consider the matter serious enough to warrant review. Such inquiries typically involve evaluating communications, testimony, and corroborating evidence to determine whether any offence was committed.

Observers have highlighted the broader context of Andrew’s public and private conduct in relation to Epstein. The Duke’s associations with Epstein have long been scrutinised by journalists, politicians, and legal authorities, generating considerable media coverage and public debate. While he has avoided direct conviction, multiple civil claims and legal proceedings have focused on financial settlements and accusations of impropriety, further complicating his public image.

The alleged attempt to have a bodyguard dig up information on Giuffre intersects with ongoing concerns about influence and obstruction in sensitive legal matters. Experts on royal protocol and criminal law emphasise that any effort to coerce or solicit action from subordinates in legal disputes can attract both criminal and civil liability, depending on the jurisdiction and evidence available.

Additionally, the situation has sparked renewed debate about accountability within institutions connected to the royal family. Public interest remains high, with commentators and civil society organisations calling for transparent handling of investigations and for responsible disclosure of information to ensure due process. The Metropolitan Police’s involvement underscores the seriousness with which allegations of this nature are treated, even when connected to high-profile public figures.

The unfolding events also highlight the unique intersection of media coverage, legal processes, and public perception. Reports from major newspapers, including the Mail on Sunday, have played a pivotal role in bringing new details to light, demonstrating the influence of investigative journalism in prompting formal inquiries and shaping public debate.

As authorities continue to investigate, the outcome will likely have implications not only for Prince Andrew personally but also for wider considerations of royal accountability and the treatment of victims in high-profile cases. Legal analysts note that even absent criminal convictions, investigations of this nature can influence reputational standing, civil claims, and broader public trust in institutions linked to power and privilege.

Prince Andrew’s withdrawal from royal duties, coupled with the renewed police scrutiny, represents a continuation of a long-running saga that has captured global attention. While he remains a figure of significant public interest, ongoing investigations and the publication of Giuffre’s memoir are poised to bring renewed focus to events that have shaped his public life and legacy.

The Metropolitan Police have yet to release detailed findings, and it is not clear whether additional witnesses or evidence may come forward. Legal experts suggest that the combination of prior documented communications, testimony, and ongoing media scrutiny may contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the allegations, allowing authorities to determine whether further legal action is warranted.

For now, Andrew’s legal team maintains a stance of denial, reiterating that there is no substantiated claim against the Duke regarding the alleged instructions to a personal protection officer. The broader inquiry, however, remains active, reflecting the continued interplay between media revelations, public scrutiny, and formal investigative procedures in high-profile cases involving members of the royal family.