Prince Andrew could face a private prosecution over allegations of sexual assault, corruption and misconduct in public office.
Republic, the anti-monarchy campaign group, has instructed its legal team to look into a broad range of allegations made against the Prince, from claims that he used his role as trade ambassador for private profit, to Virginia Giuffre’s claims of sexual abuse and rape and the allegation that he passed on her private data.
The group criticised the political response to the scandal engulfing the King’s younger brother as “weak, deferential and inadequate”.
Graham Smith, Republic’s chief executive, said: “If not us, then who? It’s a devastating indictment on the UK’s criminal justice system, police and politicians – not to mention the King and heir – that we must resort to a private prosecution.
“It should be a cause for concern that so many people believe – rightly in my view – that the royals are not treated equally in law. Equality in law is a basic tenet of democracy.”
Mr Smith acknowledged that there was a “high bar” in bringing private prosecutions and that the lawyers would have to source strong and credible evidence before taking their request to a magistrate.
“I firmly believe there is strong enough evidence to justify a serious investigation. The authorities and politicians appear to want to look the other way, while minimising the accusations made against Andrew,” Mr Smith added.
“The truth must prevail and justice must be seen to be done.”
Republic has launched a crowdfunding appeal to raise £50,000 for its legal action. Within hours, it had raised almost £5,500 on Thursday.
‘Serious and disturbing’ allegations
The campaign group highlighted a poll released last week that suggested more than three quarters of the public in Britain do not believe royals are treated equally with everyone else when it comes to the law.
On Thursday, MPs demanded an explanation of the Prince’s living arrangements at Royal Lodge, his Windsor home, in the light of “serious and disturbing” allegations made against him.
The Public Accounts Committee contacted the Crown Estate, which is responsible for the Prince’s lease agreements, questioning whether the 30-room property was still an appropriate home for him.
