LAWYERS have been instructed to advise on the possibility of a private criminal prosecution against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Republic have said.
The anti-monarchy campaign group reported the disgraced royal to the police last week, following revelations in the Epstein Files, which they say provides the basis for a criminal investigation relating to sex trafficking.
It comes after a second woman came forward alleging that she was sent to the UK by the convicted sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew was allegedly involved in bringing the woman to the UK for the purposes of sexual exploitation in 2010.
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The woman's lawyer, Brad Edwards from the US firm Edwards Henderson, claimed the encounter allegedly occurred at the former prince's residence, Royal Lodge, in 2010, according to the BBC.
Campaign group Republic has long called for Andrew to be investigated and prosecuted, criticising the political response to the scandal as “weak, deferential and inadequate”.
Now they have announced that they instructed a law firm in October to seek a private prosecution. The firm is Michelman Robinson LLP.
Graham Smith, Republic's CEO, 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
“We hear a lot of anger about Peter Mandelson and calls for prosecution. Yet with Andrew, those voices are more circumspect, trying to shift the problem to the US.
"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.
"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.
“The truth must prevail and justice must be seen to be done."
The recent revelations are the first time an Epstein survivor has alleged a sexual encounter occurred at a royal residence.
The woman, who is not British, was in her 20s at the time. She was then allegedly given a tour of Buckingham Palace and tea after she spent the night with Andrew.
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Republic reported Andrew to the police last week following the claims, insisting that as the allegations date from 2010, they are covered by the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
The previous crimes alleged by Andrew's first accuser Virginia Guiffre occurred in 2001, and so were not covered by the legislation.
Giuffre died by suicide at her farm in Western Australia aged 41 in April last year.
She sued Andrew for sexual assault, alleging he abused her when she was 17 after being trafficked by Epstein. Andrew has denied the allegations, but paid an out of court settlement in 2022 to avoid trial. The amount was never disclosed.
It comes as a heckler shouted an apparent reference to Epstein at the King and Queen during a high street walkabout.
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