London Police Probe Royal's Alleged Smear Campaign
London's Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into allegations that Prince Andrew asked one of his police bodyguards to dig up damaging information about Virginia Giuffre in 2011. According to The Mail on Sunday, the Duke of York allegedly provided Giuffre's personal information including her date of birth and social security number to a Metropolitan Police officer assigned to his protection detail.
Timing Raises Questions
The reported request came just one day before a newspaper was set to publish the first photograph showing Andrew with the then-17-year-old Giuffre. 'The timing suggests this was an attempt to discredit Giuffre before her allegations became public,' said royal commentator Rebecca English.
British Energy Secretary Ed Miliband described the allegations as 'deeply concerning' during a BBC interview, adding that 'if true, this is absolutely not the way police officers should be deployed.' The Metropolitan Police confirmed they are 'actively investigating' the report.
Royal Fallout Continues
This police investigation follows Buckingham Palace's announcement on October 17 that Andrew would voluntarily relinquish his royal titles, including Duke of York, following discussions with King Charles III. While Andrew remains a prince by birth and eighth in line to the throne, he will no longer use his conferred titles and honors.
The decision came amid mounting pressure over Andrew's association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the ongoing fallout from Giuffre's allegations. Andrew had previously settled a civil lawsuit with Giuffre in 2022 for an undisclosed sum, though he continued to deny the allegations against him.
Giuffre's Legacy and Memoir
Virginia Giuffre, who died by suicide in April 2025 at age 41, completed a memoir titled 'Nobody's Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice' before her death. The book, set for publication on October 21, 2025, provides her first full account of her experiences with Epstein, Maxwell, and Prince Andrew.
In excerpts obtained by The Times, Giuffre describes Andrew as acting 'entitled' and treating sex with her as his 'birthright.' She details their first encounter in 2001 at Ghislaine Maxwell's London townhouse when she was 17 and he was 41.
Giuffre's family has called for a full investigation into how Andrew obtained her private information. Her brother Sky Roberts told reporters: 'Virginia fought for justice her entire life, and we will continue that fight to ensure the truth comes out about how her personal information was misused.'
Historical Precedent
The stripping of Andrew's titles represents a significant moment in royal history. The last time a senior royal was stripped of a dukedom was over 100 years ago. Royal historian Hugo Vickers noted: 'This is a very significant step historically. The monarchy is clearly trying to distance itself from the ongoing scandals surrounding Andrew.'
Andrew will continue living at the Royal Lodge on the Windsor Estate but will no longer attend royal Christmas gatherings at Sandringham. His ex-wife Sarah Ferguson will also lose the Duchess of York title, though their daughters Beatrice and Eugenie will retain their princess titles.
The police investigation into the alleged information request represents the latest chapter in a scandal that has haunted the royal family for years and continues to raise questions about the proper use of police resources and the accountability of senior royals.