Prince Andrew ‘faces private prosecution’ over allegations of sexual assault, corruption and misconduct in public office

Prince Andrew is facing a special investigation over allegations of sexual assault, corruption and misconduct in public office following the Virginia Giuffre scandal.

Anti-monarchy campaign group Republic said it had instructed lawyers to investigate the prince and pursue legal action if appropriate.

Andrew is alleged to have sexually assaulted Virginia Giuffre when she was 17, and more recently in 2011 he allegedly pressured one of the crown protection officers to investigate Giuffre, believing she had a criminal record.

Andrew, who surrendered the title of Duke of York and almost completely disappeared from royal life, had previously denied all allegations against him.

But Republic says it is making its own efforts to take him to court because the legal and political response to the allegations to date has been “weak and inadequate.”

He says he makes ‘a strong, principled argument for justice to be served for victims of sexual abuse and for those who engage in public office to be held accountable’.

‘If not us, who?’ asked Graham Smith, chief executive of the anti-monarchy group.

‘That we should seek private prosecution is a devastating indictment of the UK’s criminal justice system, police and politicians (not to mention the king and his heir).

‘It should be cause for concern that many people believe, rightly in my view, that royals are not treated equally at law. Equality in law is the fundamental principle of democracy.

‘I firmly believe there is strong enough evidence to justify a serious investigation. Officials and politicians seem to want to look the other way while minimizing the accusations against Andrew.

‘Truth must prevail and justice must be seen to be done.’

Anti-monarchy group Republic said it plans to investigate claims the former Duke of York sexually assaulted Virginia Giuffre (pictured)

Giuffre, who died by suicide on April 25 this year, claimed in her posthumous memoir Nobody’s Daughter that Andrew ‘had this right, as if he believed it was his birthright to have sex with me’.

She also described three occasions when the Duke had sex with her, including at the London home of convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell.

The Metropolitan Police said in January 2024 that it would not launch an investigation into the allegations against the Duke of York, but would consider ‘new and relevant’ information as it came to light.

But claims earlier this month that Andrew asked his personal protection officer to investigate Ms Giuffre were said to be being ‘actively’ investigated, and the Mail on Sunday understands he was interviewed by detectives at his home last week.

A bombshell email published by the Mail on Sunday earlier this month revealed how Andrew asked his taxpayer-funded bodyguard to investigate his background, two months after the infamous photo of him with Giuffre and Maxwell emerged.

In an extraordinary message to Queen Elizabeth’s deputy press secretary, Ed Perkins, he wrote: ‘Apparently he also has a criminal record in America. I gave him DoB [date of birth] Social security number and social security number for review with on-duty police officer XXX [personal protection officer].’

Earlier this month it was revealed that Andrew had said “we are in this together” in an email to Jeffrey Epstein after Giuffre’s photo emerged and told the BBC he had cut off contact with the pedophile.

Republic’s Graham Smith later told Sky News: ‘There is a lot of questionable evidence that needs to be properly investigated.

‘The police said they were investigating the incident and that it was not the same as a criminal investigation.

‘What we are trying to do is to ensure that the incident is properly investigated by instructing a team of specialist lawyers and if there is sufficient evidence to pursue it in court we will launch a special investigation.’

Prince Andrew, Virginia Giuffre and sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell in a photo reportedly taken in 2001, when Giuffre was 17

Members of anti-monarchy group Republic stood outside Andrew’s home – the Royal Lodge in Great Windsor Park – last week to demand greater transparency

Andrew is preparing to leave his home at Royal Lodge (pictured) with his ex-wife, former Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson.

He added: ‘In terms of sexual offences, (the Met) has investigated and successfully prosecuted crimes dating back to the 1970s. Andrew’s alleged crimes were 25 years ago and there were police guarding and protecting him at the time.

‘The bar for proving guilt is high but we do not believe the response of the police or politicians so far has been appropriate.’

It comes at a time of near-total rupture with the Royal Family for Andrew, who stepped down from official duties in 2019 and had his honorary military affiliations and royal charitable patronages removed in 2022.

Earlier this month, following “discussions with the King”, he agreed to stop using the title of Duke of York and other rights other than the title of “prince”.

Andrew’s 30-room, World War II apartment at Windsor Manor, where he has lived since 2004 in exchange for a peppercorn rent. He is reportedly in talks to leave the ranked Royal Lodge.

The former Duke of York, who has a 91 percent negative approval rating as of today YouGov – It is said that he finally surrendered under pressure from Prince William, who allegedly threatened to strip his daughters of their titles.

It may be Andrew’s turn to get a payout because leaving would breach the 75-year “cast iron” lease on the home he shares with his ex-wife, the former Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson.

The couple are reportedly eyeing Frogmore Cottage, once the home of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and Adelaide Cottage, currently the home of the Prince and Princess of Wales and their families.

The Republic has been campaigning for a criminal investigation into Prince Andrew this month: activists stood outside the entrance to the Royal Lodge two weeks ago with banners reading ‘End royal secrecy’ and ‘Royal Epstein investigation now’.

The man who heckled King Charles during his visit to Lichfield Cathedral earlier this week is thought to be a member of the Republic.

The man shouted at Andrew’s brother King: ‘How long did you know about Andrew and Epstein? ‘Did you ask the police to cover up for Andrew?’

Another member of the crowd told him to ‘shut up’ but he continued to ask: ‘Should MPs be allowed to debate royals in the House of Commons?’

The group later said it ‘fully supported Charles’ crackdown’ but did not appear to take responsibility for the explosion.

This is breaking news; more to come.