Met to probe claims that Andrew misused protection

Prince accused of using private details to target accuser

- HARRIETTE BOUCHER

The Metropolitan Police said it is actively looking into claims that Prince Andrew sought the help of his taxpayer-funded bodyguard to smear Virginia Giuffre.

Leaked emails seen by the Mail on Sunday revealed that Andrew handed over Ms Giuffre's social security number and date of birth to his Met Police protection.

Andrew reportedly told Ed Perkins, Queen Elizabeth's deputy press secretary, that he had asked one of his close protection officers to find out information about Ms Giuffre.

"It would also seem she has a criminal record in the [United] States," Andrew wrote to Mr Perkins. "I have given her DoB [date of birth] and social security number for investigation with XXX, the on duty ppo [personal protection officer]."

It is not clear whether the bodyguard complied with Andrew's instructions.

A Met spokesperson said: "We are aware of media reporting and are looking into the claims made."

Prince Andrew has not commented on the reports. Buckingham Palace has been contacted for comment.

Energy secretary Ed Miliband told Sky News' Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips the allegations were "deeply concerning" and "not the way that close protection officers should be used".

The extraordinary revelations come a day after Prince Andrew gave up the use of his titles and honours, including the Duke of York title, following a sex abuse case involving convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, which has lasted more than a decade.