MPs Demand Accountability as Prince Andrew’s Past Haunts Monarchy

Emails from 2011 have emerged, revealing Prince Andrew’s aggressive efforts to undermine accuser Virginia Giuffre just hours before their controversial photograph became public. The disclosure indicates that Andrew instructed his Metropolitan Police bodyguard to gather personal information on Giuffre, including her birth date and social security number, intensifying public outrage regarding his role in the ongoing Epstein scandal.

The resurfacing of these emails has prompted over 1,000 letters to Members of Parliament (MPs), with constituents calling for a formal investigation into the royal family’s awareness of Andrew’s connections to Jeffrey Epstein. The current outcry has highlighted the need to reassess the legal protections that historically shield the monarchy from scrutiny. Giuffre’s recent memoir criticizes Andrew as “entitled,” further fueling demands for accountability and reform.

As pressure mounts, Labour MPs are spearheading calls for Parliament to confront the monarchy regarding Andrew’s Epstein affiliations. Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central, has revived her proposed Removal of Titles Bill, which aims to empower the monarch or a Commons committee to strip titles from individuals deemed unworthy. This initiative echoes legislation from 1917 that addressed wartime peers.

Following Andrew’s voluntary surrender of the Duke of York title on October 17, 2025, many have criticized this move as insufficient, given that he retains his peerage without the necessity of an Act of Parliament. Nadia Whittome, MP for Nottingham East, has openly condemned Andrew’s actions, stating, “It should be a given that the state removes Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s titles, rather than allowing him to hide behind voluntarily renouncing them.”

The fallout from the leaked emails has prompted a significant shift in tone among lawmakers, with calls for reform gaining momentum. Clive Lewis, MP for Norwich South, emphasized the broader implications of this situation, suggesting it raises critical questions about the monarchy’s role in British society. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband described the revelations as “deeply concerning,” highlighting how the royal family has avoided necessary parliamentary oversight.

In a move towards transparency, the Metropolitan Police confirmed on October 19, 2025, that it is reviewing Andrew’s alleged request for intelligence on Giuffre, reigniting discussions around the trafficking allegations present in her memoir. This renewed scrutiny underscores the trauma experienced by victims, as noted by Maskell, who stated, “Every time this comes up, it clearly must be really traumatizing for the victims.”

The leaked emails also reveal that in February 2011, Andrew assured Epstein in an email that “we’re in this together,” contradicting his later claims of severing ties. Furthermore, an email suggests that Sarah Ferguson took their daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie, to New York shortly after Epstein’s release, although Ferguson’s representatives have denied this.

As public and political pressure intensifies, many advocates for reform are calling for systemic changes to ensure accountability within the monarchy. The organization Republic has highlighted that “public anger is what’s going to push this forward,” indicating a growing sentiment that Andrew’s voluntary title renunciation is inadequate.

The current momentum surrounding this issue may lead to significant legislative changes that could alter the longstanding protections afforded to the monarchy. As the public demands accountability, the royal family faces increasing scrutiny regarding its ties to past controversies, particularly the Epstein case.

As discussions continue, the fallout from these revelations poses a critical test for parliamentary resolve, with the potential to redefine the relationship between the monarchy and the public it serves.