Newly published correspondence from 2011 reveals an alleged attempt by a senior royal to utilize police resources to investigate the background of a woman who later accused him of sexual assault.
The emails, published this weekend, indicate the royal provided a personal protection officer with the U.S. Social Security number and date of birth of Virginia Giuffre. The request was made prior to the widespread publication of a photograph showing the royal with his arm around Giuffre. In the correspondence, the royal suggested Giuffre might have a criminal record in the United States.
It remains unclear whether the officer acted on the request. A senior government official has described the released correspondence as “deeply concerning,” stating the allegations would be examined.
Giuffre, who died earlier this year, had been a central figure in the scandal surrounding the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. She had publicly accused the royal of sexual assault, allegations he has consistently and vigorously denied. In a past television interview, the royal stated he had no memory of ever meeting Giuffre.
The released emails have drawn a strong response from representatives of Giuffre’s family. They stated the correspondence “exposes the lengths to which those implicated try to discredit and defame survivors,” adding that “the truth will surface and there will be no shadows in which they can hide.”
The royal at the center of these allegations stepped back from public duties years ago following the initial controversy. In a subsequent statement, he announced he would no longer use his royal titles or honors, a decision he said was made in consultation with the monarch. He reiterated his denial of all accusations while acknowledging his association with Epstein was a mistake that damaged the reputation of the institution.
