Campaigners have instructed lawyers to consider a private prosecution against Prince Andrew over allegations of sexual assault, corruption and misconduct in public office.
Campaign group Republic has long called for the police to investigate and prosecute Andrew and has criticised the political response to the scandal as weak, deferential and inadequate.
The group has now taken the unprecedented step of instructing a law firm of private prosecution specialists to investigate and if appropriate, commence a private prosecution.
Republic has made a powerful, principled argument for justice to be done for the victims of sexual abuse, and for those who corrupt public office to be held accountable.
A wide-ranging poll last week showed that 76% of people in the UK do not believe the royals are treated equally with everyone else when it comes to the law.
Speaking today, Republic's CEO, Graham Smith said:
"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."
"It should be a cause for concern that so many people believe - rightly in my view - that the royals are not treated equally in law. Equality in law is a basic tenet of democracy."
"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."
Poll results can be found here.
