Prince Andrew investigated over alleged attempt to access Virginia Giuffre’s records

Prince Andrew is under investigation following reports that he asked a police protection officer to retrieve private information about Virginia Giuffre, the late accuser linked to Jeffrey Epstein.

According to leaked 2011 emails obtained by the Mail on Sunday, the Duke of York allegedly told Queen Elizabeth II’s deputy press secretary that he had provided a police officer with Giuffre’s U.S. Social Security number and date of birth. The intent, reports claim, was to search for any alleged criminal record associated with Giuffre.

The emails were reportedly sent shortly before a 2001 photo emerged showing Andrew with his arm around a 17-year-old Giuffre alongside Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s associate. It remains unclear whether the officer acted on Andrew’s request.

UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband described the allegations as “deeply concerning” and confirmed that an investigation is underway. Giuffre’s family responded to the reports, saying the emails “expose the lengths to which those implicated try to discredit and defame survivors.”

Virginia Giuffre, who accused Andrew of sexual assault and involvement in Epstein’s trafficking ring, died by suicide in April 2025 at age 41. Her 2021 lawsuit against the prince was settled out of court in 2022 for a reported $12 million.

Following the renewed controversy, Buckingham Palace declined to comment. Andrew has consistently denied the allegations. The leaked emails surfaced just days after he and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, were stripped of their remaining royal titles amid ongoing scrutiny of his past ties to Epstein.