Listen to the article
British police have concluded there is insufficient evidence that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, attempted to investigate or smear Jeffrey Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre.
London’s Metropolitan Police announced Saturday they found “no additional evidence of criminal acts or misconduct” after examining allegations that the disgraced royal had sought to dig up compromising information on Giuffre in 2011. The force stated it would not be opening a criminal investigation into the matter.
“The Met remains committed to thoroughly assessing any new information that could assist in this matter,” said Central Specialist Crime Commander Ella Marriott in the official statement. “To date, we have not received any additional evidence that would support reopening the investigation. In the absence of any further information, we will be taking no further action.”
The police inquiry began in October 2023 following media reports, particularly in the Mail on Sunday newspaper, which alleged Mountbatten-Windsor had passed Giuffre’s date of birth and social security number to his taxpayer-funded bodyguard. The newspaper claimed he sought to determine if Giuffre had any criminal history that could potentially discredit her allegations against him.
Giuffre’s family expressed strong dissatisfaction with the police decision, stating they were “deeply disappointed” and that “justice has not been served.” The statement reflects the continuing frustration felt by Giuffre’s supporters regarding the handling of her allegations against powerful figures.
Giuffre, who died by suicide in April 2024, had been a central figure in exposing Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking network. She alleged that during the early 2000s, when she was a teenager, she was trafficked by Epstein and forced to have sexual encounters with various prominent men, including Mountbatten-Windsor.
The decision comes amid renewed scrutiny of the former royal’s connections to Epstein. Just last month, King Charles III formally stripped his younger brother of his royal title, a move that followed new revelations about Mountbatten-Windsor’s relationship with Epstein and the publication of Giuffre’s posthumous memoir, which reignited public interest in her allegations.
The scandal has been a significant blow to the British royal family’s reputation. Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied wrongdoing but reached an out-of-court settlement with Giuffre in 2022 after she filed a civil lawsuit against him in New York. While the settlement did not include an admission of guilt, he did acknowledge Giuffre’s suffering as a victim of sex trafficking.
The Epstein case continues to reverberate through elite circles globally, with numerous high-profile individuals having been implicated in various ways in the financier’s activities. Epstein died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges, with his death ruled a suicide.
For victims of sex trafficking and their advocates, the case highlights the ongoing challenges in seeking accountability from powerful individuals. Despite increased public awareness and the #MeToo movement’s impact, many victims continue to face significant hurdles in the pursuit of justice.
The Metropolitan Police statement concluded with an acknowledgment of Giuffre’s passing, with Commander Marriott adding, “Our thoughts will always be with Ms. Giuffre’s family and friends following her death.”
The decision not to pursue an investigation marks another chapter in the complex legal aftermath of the Epstein scandal, which continues to unfold years after the initial allegations came to light.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
11 Comments
While the allegations against the former prince are serious, I’m glad the police are not opening a criminal investigation without clear evidence. Jumping to conclusions before all facts are known could undermine public confidence in the process.
I concur. It’s prudent for the authorities to take a cautious approach and avoid being drawn into a media frenzy. Their role is to objectively assess the evidence, not make premature judgments.
This is a complex situation with a lot of unanswered questions. I’m glad the police are taking it seriously and reviewing all evidence objectively. Allegations of misconduct by public figures need to be thoroughly investigated, even if the outcome is inconclusive.
I agree, it’s important that the authorities look into this claim fully. The public deserves transparency on matters involving prominent individuals.
While the allegations against the former prince are concerning, I respect the police’s decision to not pursue a criminal investigation at this time. Their role is to follow the evidence objectively, not succumb to media pressure or public speculation.
Agreed. It’s crucial that the authorities maintain their independence and impartiality, even in high-profile cases. Rushing to judgment without sufficient evidence could undermine public trust in the justice system.
The police’s decision not to open a criminal investigation is reasonable given the limited evidence so far. It’s important they remain committed to reviewing any new information that comes to light. Thorough, unbiased investigations are essential for upholding the rule of law.
The police’s statement seems measured and appropriate. Conducting a thorough review of the available evidence, rather than hastily opening a criminal probe, is the responsible approach. It’s important the authorities remain impartial and focused on upholding the law.
This is a complex and sensitive case that requires a careful, impartial investigation. I’m glad the police are taking the time to review all the information before deciding whether to take further action. Maintaining public trust in the process is crucial.
It’s good to see the police taking a measured approach and not rushing to judgment. Conducting a thorough investigation is the right thing to do, even if it ultimately does not lead to criminal charges. Maintaining public trust is crucial in sensitive cases like this.
You make a fair point. The police should follow the evidence wherever it leads, without prejudice. A robust and impartial investigation is the best way to uphold the rule of law.