A campaign group, Republic, has taken an extraordinary step, initiating a legal inquiry with the intent to pursue a private prosecution against Prince Andrew. The allegations center around the Virginia Giuffre scandal, encompassing claims of sexual assault, corruption, and misconduct in public office.
Despite Prince Andrew’s repeated and vehement denials of any wrongdoing, Republic argues that existing investigations have been insufficient. They believe the authorities haven’t fully explored the serious accusations leveled against him, focusing instead on matters of royal status and privilege.
Graham Smith, Republic’s chief executive, expressed deep frustration with the current handling of the case. He stated that the focus should be on the alleged victims and ensuring justice is served, regardless of royal connections. The group is actively seeking testimony from survivors of the Epstein scandal to build their case.
The legal team understands the high evidentiary bar required for a criminal prosecution, acknowledging it surpasses that of civil cases. They are committed to a thorough investigation, interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence to present to the magistrates’ court, seeking permission to proceed.
A key element of their strategy involves seeking access to unreleased files from the Epstein investigation. Republic believes these documents may contain crucial information that could strengthen their case against the prince. They are prepared to pursue the prosecution independently if the Crown Prosecution Service doesn’t intervene.
The campaign draws attention to allegations detailed in a recent biography of Prince Andrew, including claims of misconduct in public office and attempts to obstruct justice by discrediting Virginia Giuffre. These claims, coupled with the perceived lack of a robust official investigation, fueled Republic’s decision to act.
Prince Andrew recently relinquished his royal titles, a move coinciding with the release of Ms. Giuffre’s memoir and continued scrutiny of his association with Jeffrey Epstein. Republic has pledged to follow the evidence wherever it leads, even if it ultimately exonerates the prince.
The group has launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover the substantial legal costs, which could range from £15,000 to £150,000 or more. This move follows a recent public demonstration where a member of the group directly questioned King Charles about his knowledge of the allegations.
However, legal experts remain skeptical about the likelihood of success. One academic suggests the private prosecution is more a pressure tactic aimed at prompting further action from Parliament and the Crown than a genuinely viable legal proceeding, citing the difficulty of proving the allegations in court.
Representatives for Prince Andrew have been contacted for comment, but have not yet responded. The pursuit of this private prosecution marks a significant and unprecedented challenge to the established legal and royal structures surrounding Prince Andrew.
