Prince Andrew Accused of Using Police Officer to Discredit Virginia Giuffre

Prince Andrew Accused of Attempting to Discredit Virginia Giuffre Using Police Resources

London — October 19, 2025

Prince Andrew, a member of the British royal family, is facing renewed controversy following allegations that he attempted to enlist a Metropolitan Police–assigned protection officer to gather information that could be used to discredit Virginia Giuffre, the woman who had accused him of sexual abuse.

According to reports based on leaked emails and press coverage, in 2011 Prince Andrew allegedly provided one of his protection officers with Giuffre’s date of birth and U.S. Social Security number and suggested she had a criminal record — a claim her family has strongly denied. Journalists say the emails indicate Andrew asked the officer to look for potentially damaging material, though there is no confirmed evidence that the officer acted on the request.

The Metropolitan Police said they are aware of the allegations and have launched a review into whether the protection officer was asked to carry out such inquiries and whether any rules were breached. Buckingham Palace has declined to comment.

Virginia Giuffre, who had accused Prince Andrew of sexual abuse in the high-profile Jeffrey Epstein case and whose lawsuit against the prince was settled in 2022, died in 2025. This reporting concerns alleged actions from 2011 and refers to claims made prior to her death.

Prince Andrew previously settled a civil lawsuit with Giuffre in 2022 without admitting wrongdoing; the settlement reportedly involved a substantial financial payment. The new allegations add renewed scrutiny to Andrew’s conduct and his past efforts to respond to the accusations.

These revelations come as Prince Andrew has already stepped back from public duties and relinquished the title “Duke of York”; he has also lost military honors and official patronages. Observers say the latest claims could further damage public trust in the monarchy and will test the impartiality of British law-enforcement and oversight mechanisms.

Human-rights groups and campaigners for victims of sexual abuse have called for an independent, transparent investigation into the allegations to ensure accountability and to guard against misuse of police resources for private purposes. Legal analysts note the sensitivity of the matter — particularly given Giuffre’s death — and stress that careful, impartial inquiry is essential.