A Buckingham Palace insider said the Royal Family believe the new Prince Andrew allegations are of "very serious and grave concern" and "should be examined in the proper and fullest ways". On Friday, Andrew announced he will be giving up all of his remaining titles after ongoing scandals. While Andrew will no longer be able to use the titles in a public capacity, he will remain a Prince. A palace source has revealed to Sky News that action was necessary due to "what lies at the heart of this, the broader allegations and the issues highlighted".
The insider added that the "new allegations that have been brought up" are of "very serious and grave concern" and should be looked into, despite Prince Andew denying all the claims against him. This follows damaging reports on Sunday that revealed the Prince sought to obtain personal information about Virginia Giuffre through his police protection officer.
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According to the Mail on Sunday, Andrew asked for Ms Giuffre to be investigated just before the paper published an image of them together. The prince reportedly "sought to dig up dirt" on Ms Giuffre, according to The Telegraph.
The Metropolitan Police have since said it is "actively looking into the claims". Police sources also told the broadcaster that it is possible the protection officer may still work within the force.
The Buckingham Palace source said that Andrew releasing his personal statement of relinquishing all titles was deemed to be the "swiftest" way to bring about "the deserved and necessary outcome".
The decision came after a string of stories about the Prince, Jeffrey Epstein and Ms Giuffre overshadowed the work of the King and the Royal Family.
The palace source added "they are not ones for self-pity" and "this is not the Royal Family looking inward". They said it is "upsetting not in terms of themselves but it is distracting from some significant visits this week and communities that need support and to be celebrated".
While Andrew retains the title of Prince, the brother of Ms Giuffre - who alleged she was forced into having sex with Andrew - has called on King Charles to strip him of his Prince title too.
Andrew has been officially stripped of other offical roles, such as a Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter and Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO).