“Part of this is about justice for those who’ve alleged serious offences — and ensuring the law applies equally to royals and everyone else. In a Savanta poll, most people said royals are not treated equally, which is pretty shocking — and sadly true.”
Mr Smith added that unreleased information from the Epstein case files could also be vital in building any prosecution. “There’s material that could be released but hasn’t been,” he said. “If we’re allowed to proceed, we’d effectively hold the role of prosecutor, meaning we could request witnesses, documents, and evidence through the courts.
“It’s possible the CPS could later take over and lead the prosecution, which would be fine by us. But if not, we’ll continue until it’s seen through.”
Speaking to Sky News, Mr Smith also referred to allegations from author Andrew Lownie’s book on Prince Andrew, including claims of misconduct in public office and an attempt to corrupt a police officer to discredit Ms Giuffre. “We don’t believe there’s been a sufficient investigation, nor the willingness from authorities to conduct one,” he said. “This should really be done by the police and the CPS.”
Meanwhile, the King has begun the formal process of stripping Prince Andrew of his remaining titles. Buckingham Palace confirmed that he will leave his Windsor home, Royal Lodge, and relocate to private accommodation on the Sandringham estate.
In a statement, the Palace said: “Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. His lease on Royal Lodge has, to date, provided him with legal protection to remain in residence. Formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease, and he will move to alternative private accommodation. These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding that he continues to deny the allegations against him.”
Andrew relinquished his remaining royal titles on October 17, shortly before the release of Ms Giuffre’s posthumous memoir and amid renewed scrutiny of his association with Epstein.
Mr Smith said Republic’s legal team would follow the evidence wherever it leads: “If it turns out Andrew’s done nothing wrong, then good for him — that would be an interesting outcome. But clearly, that’s not the belief of most people, and that view is based on substantial testimony, evidence, and commentary over the past 15 years.”
Republic’s crowdfunding appeal states that a private prosecution could cost “anywhere between £15,000 and £150,000 or more.” The group said: “Lawyers will be actively investigating the case against Andrew with a view to beginning proceedings in the coming weeks.”
The move follows an incident earlier this week when a protester believed to be linked to Republic heckled King Charles during a visit to Lichfield Cathedral, shouting: “How long have you known about Andrew and Epstein?” before being told to “shut up” by a bystander.
Dr Caleb Wheeler, senior law lecturer at Cardiff University, expressed doubt that the campaign would succeed. “It’s doubtful that a private prosecution against Prince Andrew will be very successful,” he told Metro. “The crimes alleged — sexual assault, corruption, and misconduct in public office — simply can’t be proven in court based on the known facts. This appears to be more about applying pressure on Parliament and the Crown to act than a viable legal proceeding.”
