Alarming new claims have surfaced that Prince Andrew enlisted a government-assigned bodyguard to search for damaging personal information about Virginia Giuffre during the height of his public scandal.

According to recently uncovered details, the prince reportedly pushed a Metropolitan Police protection officer to look into Giuffre’s past in the United States -- including her criminal history -- as part of a broader effort to discredit her, as the Express reports.

The Mail on Sunday reported that Prince Andrew, confronting increasing public scrutiny over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, may have tried to weaponize official resources to gather dirt on Giuffre. Giuffre is the woman who accused him of sexually assaulting her when she was underage -- claims Andrew has repeatedly denied. The report states the Duke of York attempted to involve both his protection officer and Ed Perkins, then the deputy press secretary to Queen Elizabeth II.

In what appears to be an attempt to investigate Giuffre’s background, Andrew allegedly forwarded her date of birth and U.S. Social Security number to his personal protection officer. The information was reportedly sent with the implication that an inquiry into her legal history should be conducted. These claims came to light following the release of Giuffre’s posthumous memoir earlier this year, which rekindled public interest in Andrew’s connections to Epstein.

Allegations tied to troubling emails

According to the Mail on Sunday, the revelations stem from an email allegedly written by Andrew to Perkins. In the message, he asserted that Giuffre may have had a criminal background in the United States. The message further stated, “I have given her DoB and social security number for investigation with XXX, the on-duty PPO,” allegedly referencing the personal protection officer assigned to him by the Metropolitan Police.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed that law enforcement is now examining the claims. “We are aware of media reporting and are looking into the claims made,” the spokesperson announced, though they stressed there is currently no evidence that the officer followed through with the prince’s alleged request.

Giuffre’s family also spoke to the Mail on Sunday, emphasizing that there is no criminal history attached to her name. The timing of the alleged request casts new shadows over Andrew’s efforts to manage the fallout from his links to Epstein, especially as Giuffre’s book provides renewed context for her allegations and the broader trafficking network surrounding Epstein.

Royal fallout, mounting public pressure

The latest revelations come on the heels of a significant royal shakeup. On Friday, Prince Andrew, under pressure from King Charles, relinquished his Duke of York title as well as his remaining ceremonial honors. The move is widely seen as an effort by Buckingham Palace to draw a definitive line under the scandal that has plagued the royal family for years.

This development marks a rare but decisive shift in the royal family’s handling of reputational damage. While Andrew had already stepped back from public duties in 2019, surrendering his titles further distances the crown from his controversies. It also reflects the monarchy’s acknowledgment of intense public scrutiny and a desire to maintain institutional integrity.

King Charles reportedly orchestrated this step with the intention of reasserting the family's values in the face of public discomfort regarding Andrew’s lingering affiliations with Epstein and Giuffre. The strategic severance comes amid growing calls for Prince Andrew to permanently separate from all royal responsibilities and privileges.

Concern grows over potential publi resource use

The notion that Prince Andrew may have used police personnel -- who are funded by the public -- to serve personal interests raises questions about the misuse of power. The bodyguards provided by the Metropolitan Police are intended for security, not investigative purposes. Should these claims be substantiated, they would represent a serious breach of protocol and public trust.

Though the identity of the officer allegedly involved has not been made public, the mere suggestion of such interactions has sparked concerns about elite figures exploiting their access to state mechanisms. The implications have led to calls for a broader inquiry into how royalty uses support services, particularly during scandal-ridden periods.

Meanwhile, there has been no official statement from Prince Andrew or his legal representatives in response to the story, either confirming or denying the Mail on Sunday’s reporting.

Lessons to learn

1. Know who holds power and how they use it. This story highlights how positions of influence can sometimes be misused to gain access to private information or services for personal benefit. Remaining alert to these dynamics can encourage accountability and systemic oversight.

2. Observe the checks on authority. The response from the Metropolitan Police -- publicly noting the matter is under review -- serves as a reminder that no one is above scrutiny. Citizens should know that institutions must have processes in place to address misconduct, even when powerful figures are involved.

3. Never blame the victim. Regardless of efforts to discredit or malign Virginia Giuffre, victims have the right to speak out. Crime can befall anyone, and seeking justice is not a reflection of someone’s background -- all individuals deserve to be believed and protected fairly.

Why this story matters

This unfolding situation holds significant implications for how society views institutional power and accountability.

When public resources are potentially diverted for private aims, particularly in serious matters involving alleged abuse, transparency becomes crucial.

The story also raises broader questions about how survivors of trafficking and abuse are treated when they step forward with allegations against powerful figures.