The Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation into former royal protection officers who served Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, examining whether they attempted to gather personal details about Virginia Giuffre in 2011.
Officers from the force have interviewed two former members of the SO14 Royalty Protection Group as part of their enquiries.
Investigators are now attempting to secure electronic communications, telephone records and personal notebooks belonging to officers who worked with the former duke during the relevant period.
The inquiry centres on establishing whether any officers responded to a request from Andrew to investigate Mrs Giuffre, which could potentially constitute professional misconduct.
Police probe ex-royal protection officers over Andrew’s ‘deeply concerning’ email
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A source told The Sun: “As part of the initial examination of the case, officers are currently trying to establish what material is available.
“They are actively seeking to find emails and communications from Andrew’s royalty protection team, as well as their notebooks.”
The controversy stems from a 2011 email Andrew sent to Ed Perkins, who served as deputy press secretary to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
In the message, Andrew wrote: "It would also seem she has a criminal record in the [United] States I have given her DoB [date of birth] and social security number for investigation with [redacted], the on duty ppo [personal protection officer]."
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Jeffrey Epstein photographed at a party in 2000 | GETTYThe email was dispatched shortly before a British newspaper published the now-notorious photograph showing Andrew with his arm around Mrs Giuffre.
Mrs Giuffre's family has stated she had no criminal record, contradicting the suggestion in Andrew's correspondence.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband characterised the disclosures as "deeply concerning" when they became public in October.
He stated it was "absolutely not the way that close protection officers should be used."
Jeffrey Epstein abuse survivor Virginia Giuffre accused Prince Andrew of sexual assault, which he denies
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Legal professionals have suggested that any request from Andrew to his security detail regarding Mrs Giuffre could represent "a breach of her right to privacy."
They indicated there "could be legal implications" for Andrew if officers followed through on his instructions.
The potential misuse of taxpayer-funded security personnel for private investigations raises questions about whether such actions would constitute official misconduct if proven.
In October, the Metropolitan Police stated: "Following recent media reporting on the actions of officers in relation to this matter, we are considering whether any further assessment or review is necessary."
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor pictured beside King Charles at the Duchess of Kent's funeral | PAMrs Giuffre, who died in April at 41, had previously filed legal proceedings against Andrew in New York during 2021.
He reached an out-of-court settlement the following year whilst maintaining his denial of her allegations.
The former duke faces mounting pressure to cooperate with a US House of Congress committee investigating the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case.
Democratic committee members requested his testimony by November 20, a deadline he failed to meet.