Detectives are currently seeking notebooks, emails, and phone records belonging to Andrew Mountbatten Windsor’s personal protection officers as part of an investigation. The Metropolitan Police is looking into allegations that the former prince instructed a police bodyguard to gather private information about sex trafficking victim Virginia Giuffre in an attempt to discredit her. Additionally, he is under scrutiny to testify before a US Congress committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes.
Recent reports suggest that Andrew allegedly tasked a personal protection officer to gather information on Giuffre, as indicated in a 2011 email where he provided her personal details for investigation. The Met has confirmed that they are still examining the claims, with the Independent Office for Police Conduct having contacted them but the force has not yet referred the matter for oversight. Two of Andrew’s former protection officers have reportedly been questioned by Met detectives in connection with the investigation.
Authorities are considering whether further assessment or review of the case is necessary following the emergence of incriminating emails sent by Andrew. The focus is on locating emails and communications from Andrew’s royal protection team, as well as their notebooks. It is noted that while internal police emails are deleted after six years, notebooks and electronic devices from royalty protection are retained for up to thirty years.
Former Metropolitan Royal Protection Command chief Dai Davies has expressed concern over the delay in commencing a thorough investigation, given what he perceives as a clear case to pursue. He emphasized that if a member of the public had made similar requests to a police officer, action would have been taken promptly. Davies believes that examining the notebooks and other documents held by Andrew’s former bodyguards could provide crucial information about his whereabouts during the times Giuffre alleges interactions took place.
Andrew’s request to his protection officer to investigate Giuffre’s background came shortly after a controversial photo of him with Giuffre and Ghislaine Maxwell surfaced. Correspondence between Andrew and Epstein has also come to light, revealing a statement from Andrew indicating solidarity with Epstein following the image’s release. The email contradicts Andrew’s previous claims of cutting off contact with Epstein.
Recent reports suggest that Met detectives are reviewing the posthumous memoirs of Giuffre, who passed away at the age of 41 in April. In her memoirs, she detailed being trafficked at a young age and accused Andrew of inappropriate behavior. Andrew has consistently denied these accusations.