LONDON - Prince Andrew is facing a private prosecution over allegations of sexual assault, corruption and misconduct in public office in the wake of the Virginia Giuffre scandal.
Anti–monarchy campaign group Republic says it has instructed lawyers to investigate the prince and, if appropriate, press ahead with legal proceedings.
The Daily Mail understands the allegations it is focusing on relate to allegations he sexually assaulted Virginia Giuffre, that he asked a royal protection officer to look into her background and impropriety when he served as an official UK trade envoy.
Andrew is alleged to have sexually assaulted Virginia Giuffre when she was aged 17 and more recently was alleged in 2011 to have pressured one of his royal protection officers to investigate Giuffre, believing she had a criminal record.
Andrew, who has surrendered the Duke of York title and been all–but–eradicated from royal life, has previously denied all allegations against him.
Republic however, says it is mounting its own bid to take him to court because the legal and political response to the claims has been ‘weak and inadequate’ to date.
It says it has made a ‘powerful, principled argument for justice to be done for the victims of sexual abuse and for those who corrupt public office to be held accountable’.
“If not us, then who?” asked Graham Smith, CEO of the anti–monarchy group.
“It’s a devastating indictment on the UK’s criminal justice system, police and politicians – not to mention the King and heir – that we must resort to a private prosecution.
“It should be a cause for concern that so many people believe – rightly in my view – that the royals are not treated equally in law. Equality in law is a basic tenet of democracy.
“I firmly believe there is strong enough evidence to justify a serious investigation. The authorities and politicians appear to want to look the other way, while minimising the accusations made against Andrew.”
Andrew is alleged to have sexually assaulted Virginia Giuffre when she was aged 17 and more recently was alleged in 2011, to have pressured one of his royal protection officers to investigate Giuffre, believing she had a criminal record. (Pic: Gazette & Herald)