Metropolitan Police Investigates Prince Andrew's Alleged Information Hunt on Accuser

The Metropolitan Police said it is actively looking into media reports that Prince Andrew tried to obtain personal information about his accuser Virginia Giuffre through his police protection.

We are aware of media reporting and are actively looking into the claims made, the force stated on Sunday.

Giuffre, who tragically took her own life earlier this year, claimed she was among the girls and young women sexually exploited by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein along with his affluent acquaintances.

Prince Andrew has steadfastly denied all allegations against him but refrained from commenting on the current reports. Buckingham Palace has also been approached for comments on the matter.

Giuffre alleged that she was coerced into sexual acts with Andrew multiple times, including one instance when she was just 17 at the home of Ghislaine Maxwell in London.

Maxwell, a close associate of Epstein, is currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex-trafficking charges linked to her former boyfriend.

Reports from the Mail on Sunday suggest that Andrew requested his police protection officer to investigate Giuffre shortly before an article showcasing a photograph of their first meeting was set to be published.

He purportedly provided the officer with her date of birth and confidential information such as her social security number. The Sunday Telegraph also suggested that Andrew wanted to uncover damaging information about Giuffre.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband labeled the claims deeply concerning, asserting that it was an improper use of police resources if true.

In response to rising controversies, Andrew announced on Friday that he would be voluntarily returning his titles and relinquishing his membership in the Order of the Garter, the prestigious royal order of chivalry in Britain, effectively removing his title of Duke of York.

This decision follows his previous loss of HRH status and withdrawal from royal public duties, culminating in a significant reduction of his royal role.

The unfolding situation is compounded by additional revelations expected in a forthcoming posthumous memoir by Giuffre, which is anticipated to shine a further spotlight on Andrew's connections to both Epstein and Giuffre.

In a recent BBC Newsnight interview, Sky Roberts, Giuffre's brother, expressed that his sister would have applauded the actions taken against Andrew but urged for the King to take even further action by revoking his princely title entirely.

Those implicated should bear some level of responsibility and accountability for survivors like my sister, Roberts stated emphatically.