Andrew Investigation: Police Witnesses May Include Officers Who Protected Him

Thames Valley Police announced Friday that its misconduct-in-public-office investigation into Prince Andrew is also examining potential offenses including corruption and sexual misconduct. The force issued a public appeal for potential victims and witnesses to come forward.

The optimal time for police to have begun inquiries was shortly after Metropolitan Police officers serving as Andrew’s close protection detail transported him from a London nightclub to a residence with friends in their 40s and a 17-year-old girl, then waited outside until he decided to return home. Alternatively, the second-best opportunity arose when Andrew paid approximately £12 million to settle a civil lawsuit with Virginia Giuffre out of court, despite claiming no recollection of meeting her — he denies any wrongdoing. Leaked emails suggested Andrew passed Giuffre’s birth date and U.S. Social Security number to his Met protection officer and requested background checks. Another pivotal moment occurred 12 years ago when Giuffre alleged she was sex trafficked to and assaulted by Andrew on that night and two other occasions.

Giuffre died by suicide just over a year ago at a remote Australian farmhouse at age 41, unable to escape her demons. She had spent nearly a third of her life seeking action on her allegations against a man protected by serving law enforcement officers. The Metropolitan Police never opened a full investigation into her claims.

Police face persistent pressure on staffing levels and service delivery. However, at least two officers were present at numerous international locations, often inside residences, with nothing to do but observe and wait — potentially noting unusual situations, such as being asked to provide private security for a dinner party at a New York mansion owned by a man recently released from prison for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Those officers and their superiors apparently took no meaningful action. Andrew’s homes were searched only in 2026, reportedly yielding evidence of interest.

The British establishment has only recently treated this case as it should have from the outset, driven by concern that continued inaction would be more damaging. For nearly 15 years, the focus was on protecting vested interests of the monarchy and police, not on doing the right thing. Politicians similarly accepted guidance or tacit signals about how things had to be, without demanding accountability.

It remains a grim possibility that police waited for Andrew’s mother, Queen Elizabeth II, to die before seriously addressing the matter. Friday’s statements suggest investigators believe other witnesses or individuals with helpful information may exist. Met police employment records could provide a starting point.

The late queen reportedly pushed forcefully for Andrew to receive the trade envoy role, presumably to keep him out of trouble. A 2015 column noted the position seemed a sinecure to shuttle the queen’s second son between golf courses without public scrutiny over helicopter costs. However, documents released this week indicate Andrew’s staff actively sought to prevent him playing golf on overseas trips. A briefing states: “Captain Blair [Andrew’s then personal private secretary] particularly asked that the Duke of York should not be offered golfing functions abroad.” The reasoning: when Andrew was golfing, he was not engaging in other activities that could harm British interests, lead to opaque private business deals, or involve more unmentionable pursuits.

The police investigation, repeatedly described as unprecedented, will undoubtedly yield more details. However, a precedented investigation — one conducted in a timely manner — would have been far preferable. Current efforts represent a belated public service equivalent of seeking clout, not a cause for celebration.

Marina Hyde’s new book, ‘What a Time to be Alive!’, is scheduled for release in September (Guardian Faber Publishing, £20). Signed copies are available at guardianbookshop.com; delivery charges may apply.

Marina Hyde is a Guardian columnist.

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