Prince Andrew asked officer for private information about Epstein accuser
What's the story
The Metropolitan Police are investigating Prince Andrew after leaked emails allegedly revealed he pressured a police protection officer to obtain information about Virginia Giuffre. The emails, published by the Mail on Sunday, claim Andrew provided his bodyguard with Giuffre's US Social Security number and date of birth to dig out her alleged criminal record. This was done just hours before a controversial photograph of him with a 17-year-old Giuffre emerged. Giuffre's allegations linked Andrew to Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking racket.
Official response
Proves 'lengths to which those implicated try to discredit survivors'
Ed Miliband, the UK's energy secretary, has called the leaked emails "deeply concerning." He stressed that such actions should not be tolerated. A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed they are looking into these claims but did not confirm if any officer complied with Andrew's request. Giuffre's family has also responded to the allegations, stating that they "expose the lengths to which those implicated try to discredit and defame survivors."
Case background
Andrew lost his titles after settling Giuffre's lawsuit
Giuffre, who died by suicide in April 2025, had accused Andrew of sexual assault on multiple occasions when she was a minor. She filed a lawsuit against him in 2021, which was settled for around $12 million in 2022. Despite denying the allegations, Andrew lost his military honors at Queen Elizabeth's behest. Recently, he gave up his Duke of York title amid ongoing Epstein-related accusations, and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, also resigned from her title of the Duchess of York.
Family's plea
Giuffre family urges King Charles to take away Prince title
Giuffre's family has now called on King Charles III to strip Andrew of his "prince" title. Her brother Sky Roberts expressed hope that his sister would have been proud of the recent developments. He urged for more accountability, saying those implicated should bear some responsibility for survivors. Miliband said any further action would be up to the royal family.