Prince Andrew and the royal family could face further embarrassment, with the publication of Virginia Giuffre's memoir in the week that the King is to pray with the Pope.

The Metropolitan Police said they would look into claims in the Mail on Sunday that Andrew had passed Giuffre's date of birth and social security number to his taxpayer-funded bodyguard in 2011 and asked him to investigate.

He is also said to have emailed the Queen's then-deputy press secretary and told him of his request to his protection officer, and also suggested Giuffre had a criminal record.

"We are aware of media reporting and are actively looking into the claims made," a Met spokeswoman said.

The allegations are the latest to emerge against the prince, who relinquished his dukedom and other honours on Friday,

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