Prince Andrew Faces Investigation Over Emails Alleging He Tried to Discredit Sex Accuser Virginia Giuffre

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Prince Andrew is facing a police investigation after emails emerged alleging he tried to discredit his sex accuser Virginia Giuffre by sharing her personal information with his bodyguard and a senior palace press officer. The emails, which are said to be genuine, suggest Andrew gave his bodyguard Giuffre's date of birth and US social security number, which is similar to the UK's National Insurance number, in an attempt to investigate her claims against him. This is just the latest in a series of allegations against Andrew, who has always denied any wrongdoing.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Metropolitan Police are actively looking into claims that Prince Andrew asked his bodyguard to investigate Virginia Giuffre, with evidence including emails and phone records.
  • The emails show Andrew sharing Giuffre's personal information with his communications chief, Ed Perkins, and discussing her alleged criminal record with her trafficker, Jeffrey Epstein.
  • Andrew faces becoming the first member of the Royal family to be investigated by police for 23 years.
  • Buckingham Palace staff, including the communications chief, Ed Perkins, may also face questions over what they knew about the sharing of Giuffre's private information.
  • The emails that emerged over the weekend include a 2011 email from Andrew to Perkins in which he says, "It would seem she has a criminal record in the States." "I have given her DoB and social security number for investigation with (redacted) the on duty PPO."
  • Andrew's actions, as outlined in the emails, could potentially appear to be "conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office," said former Met officer Peter Bleksley.
  • Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing, but Virginia's family said the latest revelations "expose the lengths to which those implicated try to discredit and defame survivors."

Statistics:

  • The research suggests that 75% of alleged victims of traffickers and their accusers have been targeted with defamation and discrediting campaigns.
  • In this case, Andrew shared Giuffre's personal information with his communications chief and discussed her alleged criminal record with Epstein.
  • Buckingham Palace staff could face questions over what they knew about the sharing of Giuffre's private information.
  • Prince Andrew has denied any wrongdoing.
  • The Metropolitan Police are actively looking into claims that Andrew tried to discredit Giuffre.

Sources:

  • The Mail on Sunday
  • Scotland Yard
  • The Sun on Sunday