Priti Patel Apologizes Over Leaked Email Pertaining to Duke of York’s Security Review

Former Home Secretary, Priti Patel, has expressed regret to the King for inadvertently causing “discomfort and challenges” due to her alleged email suggesting reconsideration of the Duke of York’s security detail.

Reports indicate that Andrew has lost his taxpayer-subsidized police security following his relinquishment of the HRH title. This move came in the wake of public uproar over his ties with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted pedophile, and a subsequent settlement in a US civil sexual lawsuit.

The Sun disclosed that Dame Priti had reached out to Charles’s chief private aide, Sir Clive Alderton, hinting at the potential reevaluation of the duke’s security measures. The leaked correspondence also touched upon the security arrangements for the Duke of Sussex.

Addressing the leak, Dame Priti stated to The Sun, “It’s regrettable that such private communication made its way to the public. I extend my sincere apologies to His Majesty for any inconvenience and unease resulting from the exposure of this email.”

It’s worth noting that Andrew took a step back from his royal duties after facing criticism from his Newsnight interview in 2019. Virginia Giuffre filed a lawsuit against him, accusing him of sexual assault when she was 17, a claim which Andrew has consistently denied. However, a significant sum was paid as part of a US civil case settlement.

In January 2022, preceding this settlement, Queen Elizabeth II revoked Andrew’s honorary military appointments, including his role as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards. Consequently, he also gave up his HRH designation.

Buckingham Palace, Dame Priti, and the Conservative Party are yet to respond to the current situation.