Prince Andrew reportedly asked a Metropolitan Police bodyguard to dig into Virginia Giuffre’s background, including sensitive US details, as part of an alleged attempt to discredit her, leaked emails reveal.
The extraordinary claims, published by the Mail on Sunday, suggest that the disgraced royal passed on Ms Giuffre’s social security number and date of birth to his on-duty personal protection officer (PPO). He then informed a senior royal aide, Ed Perkins, that he had initiated the request.
Prince Andrew ‘Tapped Police Contact’ to Probe Virginia Giuffre
“It would also seem she has a criminal record in the [United] States. I have given her DoB and social security number for investigation with XXX, the on-duty PPO,” Prince Andrew wrote in the email to Mr Perkins.
It remains unclear whether the officer followed through with the request. The Metropolitan Police have since confirmed to The Independent that they are examining the claims.
These revelations surface at a pivotal moment. Just a day earlier, Prince Andrew gave up all official titles and honours, including his designation as Duke of York, amid increasing scrutiny over his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
The decision is detailed in our report on how Prince Andrew dropped all titles after talks with King Charles, marking one of the most dramatic royal shake-ups in recent history.
This new leak comes just days before the release of Virginia Giuffre’s memoir, expected to offer fresh insights into her experiences and interactions with Epstein and Andrew.
The book is set to reignite public attention on a scandal that has shadowed the Royal Family for over a decade.
Andrew’s statement, issued on Friday evening, acknowledged the growing controversy: “In discussion with the King, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the royal family.”
Insiders say King Charles is privately relieved at the decision, believing his brother’s continued presence was a “distraction” the monarchy could no longer afford.
Giuffre’s Family Demands Accountability
Ms Giuffre’s family have strongly denied she has any criminal record and is demanding answers as to how Prince Andrew acquired such confidential personal data.
The Mail on Sunday reported that Andrew refused to explain how he obtained her US social security number, sparking fresh concerns over possible data breaches or abuse of privilege.
Her family have now renewed their calls for King Charles to remove Andrew’s “prince” status altogether, a title he still holds by birthright, unless formally revoked through Letters Patent by the monarch.
Virginia Giuffre has accused Andrew of sexually abusing her on three separate occasions, including at Epstein’s notorious private island, Little St James, when she was just 17 years old.
The prince has consistently denied all allegations. Yet in March 2022, he agreed to a multi-million-pound settlement to end a civil lawsuit filed by Ms Giuffre in the US. As part of the deal, he also donated to a victims’ rights charity, all while maintaining he never met her.
Despite the financial settlement, Andrew’s public image has been irreparably damaged. Stripped of his royal duties, patronages, and military roles, he now lives largely out of public sight.
In a candid interview with ITV News, Ms Giuffre’s brother, Sky Roberts, said: “I want to commend the King and I want to commend the UK for taking some action. While it may not be enough. It’s still a lot more than what we’ve been given from our own government here, even though we possess the Epstein files.”
He added: “Why not just take it another step further and relinquish him of his prince title as well?”
The Royal Family is once again facing questions over its handling of reputational scandals, particularly when they intersect with serious allegations of abuse, power, and exploitation.
Buckingham Palace has so far declined to comment on the recent revelations. Meanwhile, the growing chorus for full transparency and potentially further disciplinary steps against Andrew continues to grow. As the monarchy attempts to move forward, the past remains far from settled.
