The Metropolitan Police are investigating claims that Prince Andrew asked his taxpayer-funded close protection officer to obtain information about Virginia Giuffre, hours before a controversial photograph of them together emerged. Leaked emails suggest Andrew passed Giuffre's date of birth and US social security number to his Met bodyguard.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband described the allegations as "deeply concerning" and stated that close protection officers should not be used in such a manner. The emails, published by the Mail on Sunday, were allegedly sent to Ed Perkins, then deputy press secretary to the Queen, in 2011. Andrew reportedly told Perkins he had given the officer Giuffre's details and claimed she had a criminal record in the US, which her family has denied.
Giuffre, who died earlier this year, alleged she was forced to have sex with Andrew on three occasions, including when she was 17, while being trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Andrew has consistently denied the accusations.
Last week, Andrew relinquished his royal titles, including Duke of York, following discussions with King Charles III. He retains the dukedom, which would require an act of parliament to remove, and remains a prince. Giuffre's family has called for Charles to strip him of the title "prince."
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: "We are aware of media reporting and are actively looking into the claims made." Andrew has not commented on the latest allegations.
