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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Ross Hunter

Huge majority say police should investigate Prince Andrew, poll finds

THE majority of the public believe Prince Andrew should be investigated by the Metropolitan Police in relation to allegations of sexual abuse, according to a new poll.

A Savanta poll commissioned by the campaign group Republic found that 73% of those surveyed believed Prince Andrew should be investigated.

It comes after newly published court documents linked to the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein contained accusations levelled towards the Duke the York

Epstein’s former housekeeper, Juan Alessi, claimed that Prince Andrew had daily massages during the “weeks” he stayed at Epstein’s home in Florida.

The royal was previously accused of sexual assault by Epstein trafficking victim Virginia Giuffre, which she claimed took place when she was 17-years-old.

He reportedly paid around £12 million to settle a civil sexual assault case from Giuffre – although denies any wrongdoing and claims never to have met her.

Just 13% of those polled believed Prince Andrew should not face a police investigation.

Speaking for Republic, Graham Smith said: "Clearly the public have serious concerns about the conduct of the Met police and feel Andrew should be investigated.

“Numerous other cases against celebrities have led to interviews under caution and prosecution, yet the police have done nothing about Andrew.

"Just last November Russell Brand was accused of various sexual assaults – which he denies – yet he was rightly interviewed under caution. So why has the same not happened with Andrew?"

"There is the sense that the Met are giving the royals preferential and very lenient treatment.

"They refused to interview Charles when facing cash-for-honours accusations, they ignored Charles accepting three million euros in cash and now they continue to ignore very serious accusations against Andrew.

"The police excuse that they are waiting for fresh evidence is spurious. So far they haven't investigated the case beyond looking at some documents, they haven't sought that evidence or sought to interview Andrew or other witnesses.

"It's time for the police to act."

It comes after a poll by Savanta revealed that support for the monarchy has fallen below 50% for the first time.

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