Prince Andrew Faces New Scrutiny as Ex-Protection Officer Alleges Security Breaches

Allegations of security breaches and inappropriate conduct are resurfacing around Prince Andrew, Duke of York, as a former royal protection officer comes forward with claims of women being brought into Buckingham Palace without proper vetting. The renewed scrutiny follows ongoing questions regarding the former prince’s ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Former Officer Contacts Police

Paul Page, a former Scotland Yard royal protection officer who served from 1998 to 2004, has contacted police with information regarding the alleged incidents. According to reports, Page claims that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor routinely circumvented security protocols to allow women into Buckingham Palace, sometimes multiple times a week [LBC].

Allegations of Circumvented Security

Page alleges that staff were often prevented from recording the names of female guests entering the Palace, with instructions reportedly given not to question their access [LBC]. Some instances reportedly occurred while Queen Elizabeth II was in residence. The women were sometimes referred to under the codename “Mrs Windsor” [LBC].

Connection to Epstein Investigation

These claims come amid renewed attention to Prince Andrew’s association with Jeffrey Epstein. Page stated he felt compelled to come forward following recent reports that women may have been trafficked into the UK through flights linked to Epstein [LBC]. Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has alleged that at least one of Epstein’s victims was flown to the UK and brought to a royal residence [LBC].

Police Response and Ongoing Investigation

Authorities are reportedly making “initial inquiries” into the allegations [Daily Mail]. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as police gather more information. Page told The Sun he felt a “duty to share” information that could potentially advance the police probe [The Sun].

Officer’s Fears

Page explained that officers did not question the breaches in protocol due to fear of losing their positions [The Royal Observer]. He likewise noted that Prince Andrew was reportedly “very abrasive with staff” [The Royal Observer].