The Lingering Shadow: Fresh Allegation Against Prince Andrew Spurs Calls for Investigation

Well, here we are again. Just when you might have thought the spotlight on Prince Andrew had dimmed a little, a new and deeply serious allegation has emerged, once more pushing him into the centre of a swirling storm. This latest claim, brought to light by a BBC Panorama investigation, is significant enough that Lord Stevens, who once held the top job at Scotland Yard as Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, believes it absolutely "must be investigated." It really makes you wonder, doesn't it?

So, what's the core of this new allegation? It revolves around a woman who, as part of the BBC's deep dive, claims she was trafficked right here to the UK by none other than Ghislaine Maxwell. Her harrowing account suggests she was then abused by Prince Andrew when she was just 17 years old, back in 2001, at Jeffrey Epstein's London residence. Of course, Prince Andrew has vehemently denied these, and indeed all, allegations of sexual abuse or wrongdoing. That much has remained constant.

Lord Stevens isn't calling for an investigation lightly. He told Sky News that when fresh information comes to the attention of the police, especially from a reputable source like a BBC investigation, it simply has to be looked at. It’s not just about the specific claims, he argues; it’s also about public confidence. For the public to truly trust the justice system, they need to see that every stone is turned, that new evidence is properly assessed. Even if it's just to reconfirm a previous decision, the process needs to be seen as thorough and transparent. That's a point hard to argue with, isn't it?

However, the Metropolitan Police, for their part, have confirmed they did indeed review the material provided by the BBC Panorama team. But – and it's a big "but" – they’ve stated their position "remains unchanged" and that no further action is currently deemed necessary. This isn't entirely new territory; the Met has previously investigated claims involving the Duke of York, always concluding that no further action was required. Still, the existence of new claims always raises questions.

This all unfolds against the backdrop of Prince Andrew's previous civil settlement with Virginia Giuffre, where he paid a substantial sum without admitting guilt. His steadfast denial of any wrongdoing continues to be his unwavering stance. The legal and public relations battles he's faced have been extensive, and it seems the echoes of the Epstein scandal, with its ever-unfolding revelations, are destined to follow him for quite some time yet. It's a complex, painful situation for all involved, and for the public, the desire for clarity and resolution is palpable.