The Ministry of Defence has sparked controversy by blocking the release of Prince Andrew's military records, following a Freedom of Information request that sought to uncover details about the Duke of York's official duties and privileges.
Transparency Denied: MoD Cites Privacy Concerns
In a move that has raised eyebrows across Westminster, defence officials refused to disclose any information about Prince Andrew's military career, claiming such disclosure would violate data protection laws. The decision comes despite the significant public interest in the royal's conduct and his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The MoD stated: "We have determined that the information you have requested is personal data. The disclosure of this personal data would not be consistent with the relevant data protection principles."
Ongoing Fallout from Giuffre Allegations
This development occurs against the backdrop of continuing scrutiny over Prince Andrew's association with Virginia Giuffre, who accused the Duke of sexually assaulting her when she was 17—allegations he has consistently denied. The case was settled out of court in 2022, but the shadow over Andrew's reputation persists.
Labour's shadow defence secretary, John Healey, emphasised the importance of transparency, stating: "There is a public interest in these documents being available for public scrutiny." His comments underscore the growing pressure on institutions to maintain accountability regarding the royal's status and past activities.
What the Records Might Reveal
While the specific contents of the blocked documents remain unknown, they likely include:
- Details of Andrew's official duties as a former Royal Navy officer
- Information about his continued use of military titles and privileges
- Records of taxpayer-funded resources allocated to the Duke
- Documentation of his overseas visits and official engagements
The MoD's refusal to release these records adds another layer to the ongoing debate about royal transparency and accountability in post-Epstein Britain.
