LONDON, Oct 20 – Fresh scrutiny has returned to Prince Andrew after claims emerged suggesting he once sought assistance from a police officer to discredit Virginia Giuffre, the woman who claims he sexually abused her during her teenage years. A source close to the royal household said the allegations should be “examined in an appropriate manner,” reflecting the seriousness with which the issue is now being treated within royal circles.
Prince Andrew, the Duke of York until he stepped back from that title, has been at the center of controversy for several years over his connections with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. After intense public pressure and ongoing criticism, the prince announced last week that he would no longer use his Duke of York title or certain honorary positions. Despite continuing to hold the title of prince, he acknowledged that the ongoing discussions about his conduct had become a significant distraction for the royal family.
The renewed allegations surfaced after a report claimed Andrew had, in 2011, approached one of his personal protection officers in an attempt to gather damaging information about Giuffre. London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed on Sunday that it is “actively looking into” these claims to determine whether there is any substance that warrants further investigation. Although no formal investigation has yet been announced, the statement has revived public debate about the prince’s actions during that period.
Buckingham Palace has maintained a cautious stance, with a palace insider emphasizing that the claims deserve to be “examined through appropriate channels.” The palace has not provided additional comment, but the phrasing suggests the royal household recognizes the importance of transparency, particularly given the long-standing sensitivity surrounding Andrew’s past conduct.
Virginia Giuffre has been one of the most prominent voices among those who accused Epstein of operating a vast network of sexual exploitation. Her allegations against Prince Andrew have been the subject of global attention for years. In 2022, Andrew reached a settlement with Giuffre in a U.S. civil case, avoiding a public trial while continuing to deny any wrongdoing. The settlement did not include an admission of guilt but was seen by many as a move to protect the image of the monarchy from further damage.
Adding to the renewed scrutiny, Giuffre’s memoir, titled Nobody’s Girl, is being released this week. The posthumous publication, obtained by major British outlets ahead of its release, details her years under Epstein’s influence and includes fresh allegations against Prince Andrew. In the book, Giuffre recalls three distinct meetings with the prince, expressing that she once feared for her life and felt she could lose her freedom while under Epstein’s control. The memoir also includes disturbing details of meetings in London, New York, and on Epstein’s private island in the Caribbean.
One particular passage describes how Andrew allegedly recognized Giuffre’s age when they first met, correctly identifying her as 17. These claims, if verified, would add significant weight to the allegations that have haunted the prince for over a decade. While Andrew continues to deny that any of these events took place, the timing of the memoir’s release has intensified calls for a renewed examination of the case.
Compounding Andrew’s troubles, a court document released last year revealed that a close business associate of his was believed by the British government to have ties to Chinese intelligence. The revelation further damaged Andrew’s reputation, raising questions about his judgment and associations. Critics have argued that his repeated involvement in questionable relationships reflects poorly on the royal institution and undermines public trust.
In the political sphere, Education Minister Bridget Phillipson commented on Monday that the government supported Andrew’s decision to relinquish his titles, describing it as “the right course of action” given the circumstances. However, she clarified that any further decisions about his royal status, including calls for him to lose the title of prince, are matters for the royal family, not the government.
The royal household has faced an ongoing challenge in managing public perception of Andrew’s situation. Since his disastrous television interview several years ago, during which he attempted to defend his relationship with Epstein, his public engagements have been drastically reduced. He has largely withdrawn from royal duties and has made few public appearances. Despite these measures, the prince remains a contentious figure, and each new revelation appears to reignite public debate about accountability and privilege within the monarchy.