Prince Andrew latest: Campaign group joins host of scandal-hit royals as it considers private prosecution

Earlier this month, Prince Andrew gave up all his royal titles ahead of the publication of Virginia Guiffre’s posthumous memoir.

While still a prince, Andrew will no longer use the title Duke of York, but will retain his dukedom, which can only be removed by an Act of Parliament.

You can read about all the royal titles Prince Andrew has given up below…

The Republic campaign group has released a statement about its decision to pursue private prosecution against Prince Andrew.

“Campaigners have instructed lawyers to consider a private prosecution against Prince Andrew over allegations of sexual assault, corruption and misconduct in public office,” the organization wrote in a post on its website.

“The Republican campaign group has long criticized the police investigation and prosecution of Andrew and has criticized the political response to the scandal as weak, disrespectful and inadequate.

“The group has now taken the unprecedented step of commissioning a law firm of private prosecution specialists to investigate and, if necessary, initiate private prosecutions.

“The Republic has made a strong and principled case for justice for victims of sexual abuse and for those who corrupt public office.

A wide-ranging poll last week found that 76% of people in the UK do not believe the royal family is treated the same as everyone else under the law.

Graham Smith, CEO of the Republic, said in a speech today: “If not us, then who? It is a devastating indictment of Britain’s criminal justice system, the police and politicians – not to mention the King and Heir – that we have to resort to a private prosecution.”

“It should be worrying that many people believe – rightly so in my opinion – that the Royal Family are not treated equally under the law.

“Equality under the law is a fundamental principle of democracy.

“I firmly believe there is strong enough evidence to warrant a serious investigation. It seems the authorities and politicians want to look the other way, while minimizing the charges against Andrew.

“Truth must prevail and justice must be done.”

Police have unfortunately confirmed that they are “actively” investigating new claims that Andrew tried to use his police bodyguard to slander his accuser.

Sunday’s desire claims to have seen leaked emails from 2011 in which Andrew said he had given Giffer’s confidential Social Security Number (SSN) and date of birth to his taxpayer-funded police protection officer, apparently in an attempt to smear him.

Andrew apparently wrote in an email to Queen Elizabeth’s deputy press secretary, Ed Perkins: “He appears to have a criminal record. [United] States. I have given him DoB [date of birth] and social security number to check with XXX, PPO on duty [personal protection officer]”

Prince Andrew has come under increasing scrutiny since becoming embroiled in the Epstein scandal in 2019.

Widely said to be the late Queen’s favorite child, Andrew has suffered a dramatic decline over the past decade.

You can read the complete timeline of his scandals below…

King Charles was criticized earlier this week by a protester who asked about Prince Andrew’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

As he shook hands with people during a visit to Lichfield Cathedral in Staffordshire on Monday, Charles was asked if he had asked police to “cover up” his brother.

In a video of the incident, a protester can be heard shouting: “How long have you known Andrew and Epstein? Did you ask the police to hide Andrew?

Should MPs be allowed to debate the royal family in the House of Commons?

The king, who was a few feet away, did not answer questions and other people could be heard telling the hacker to “go away” and “shut up”.

The Republic campaign group announced on Thursday that it was ordering its lawyers to file a private trial against Prince Andrew following allegations of sexual assault.

According to the pressure group’s website, it aims to “replace the monarchy with an elected head of state and a more democratic political system.”

It has already staged a number of campaigns and demonstrations against the monarchy, including a recent protest outside Andrew’s home, Royal Lodge.

Most prosecutions in the UK are carried out by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on behalf of the Crown.

In these circumstances, CPS is responsible for initiating proceedings and costs.

However, a person can choose to be prosecuted under section 6(1) of the Prosecution of Offenses Act (POA) 1985.

In this case, the person or organization that supports the prosecution will train the lawyers and bear the cost of the process.

MPs can discuss Prince Andrew’s behaviour, his 30-room mansion and the possibility of him being stripped of his dukedom.

The government has so far refused to give MPs time in the House of Commons to debate Andrew’s situation as the royal family wants parliament to focus on “important matters”.

But this issue can be raised on one of the days when the ministers do not supervise the schedule of the parliament.

A Liberal Democrat source pointed this out The Sunday Times That the party could be prepared to use one of its opposition days to allow MPs to debate Andrew’s behaviour.