London police said Saturday they will not investigate claims that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, asked a bodyguard in 2011 to dig up dirt on his accuser Virginia Giuffre.
Giuffre, who died by suicide earlier this year at the age of 41, had alleged that as a teenager, Andrew was sexually abused by now-deceased financier Jeffrey Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
Giuffre sued Andrew in civil court for sexual harassment in 2021, with Giuffre and Andrew reaching an out-of-court settlement in 2022.
What did the British media report about Andrew bodyguard’s claim?
British newspaper mail on sunday It was reported in October that Andrew had given Giuffre’s date of birth and Social Security number to his personal security officer. The newspaper said Andrew was seeking information that could be used to discredit Giuffre, a dual citizen of the US and Australia.
The bombshell report comes shortly before King Charles decides to strip Andrew, 65, of his royal titles, with the former prince also expected to leave his Royal Lodge residence.
In a statement, the London Metropolitan Police said it had made an assessment that Andrew “had asked his Met Police close protection officer to investigate Giuffre” in 2011.
Senior Met officer Ella Marriott said, “The assessment revealed no additional evidence of criminal acts or misconduct.”
Giuffre family ‘disappointed’ by Met Police decision
Giuffre’s family said on Saturday that they were “deeply disappointed” by the London police decision, saying it was made “without explanation”.
He said, “While we have previously commended the UK’s overall handling of the case of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, today we feel that justice has not been served.” “We continue to challenge the system that protects abusers, especially as more evidence comes to light that could hold people accountable. Our sister Virginia and all survivors owe it a great deal.”
Epstein files to be released next week
The statements on Sunday from the Met Police and Giuffre’s family come days before the US government is required to release its documents relating to the criminal activities of convicted sex offender Epstein.
Democrats and Republicans overwhelmingly approved legislation that would force the release of the Epstein files by December 19.
US President Donald Trump, who is facing controversy over his relationship with Epstein, signed this bill into law amid increasing political pressure from both parties.
Edited by: Rana Taha