A campaign group advocating for a republic has announced plans to consider a private prosecution against Prince Andrew. The group, known as Republic, has instructed legal experts to explore the possibility of taking action over allegations of sexual assault, corruption, and misconduct in public office. Prince Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to these allegations. Republic has previously called for a police investigation into the prince, criticising the political response to the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein scandal as weak and inadequate. Earlier this month, Prince Andrew relinquished his royal titles ahead of the release of a book by Virginia Giuffre. Giuffre has claimed that she was sex trafficked by Epstein as a child. Republic has engaged the law firm Edmonds Marshall McMahon, specialists in private prosecutions, to assess the situation and potentially initiate legal proceedings. Graham Smith, CEO of Republic, stated, "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." He expressed concern over the perception that royals are not held to the same legal standards as others, emphasising that equality before the law is a fundamental principle of democracy. Smith added, "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." Buckingham Palace has been contacted for comment regarding these developments. This story is ongoing and will be updated as more information becomes available.