Metropolitan Police Decline to Investigate Andrew Bodyguard Claim
London's Metropolitan Police announced Saturday it would not launch a criminal investigation into allegations that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, instructed a taxpayer-funded bodyguard to investigate Virginia Giuffre, a prominent accuser in the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking scandal. The decision follows an assessment by the force, which concluded there was no additional evidence of criminal acts or misconduct to warrant further action, a move that has drawn strong criticism from Giuffre's family. The announcement re-emphasizes the absence of any criminal proceedings against Andrew in the United Kingdom, even as the shadow of his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continues to reshape his public and royal standing.
Police Cites Lack of Criminal Evidence
Central Specialist Crime Commander Ella Marriott confirmed the Metropolitan Police's decision, stating that a thorough assessment of recent reports had not uncovered sufficient evidence of criminal acts or misconduct. The police stated that "no further action" would be taken unless new and relevant information comes to light. This assessment was initiated after media reports, notably from The Mail on Sunday in October, detailed claims that Andrew had sought to gather information on Giuffre in 2011. The allegations surfaced prominently following the posthumous publication of Giuffre's memoir. Giuffre, a key figure in accusations against Andrew, died by suicide in April 2025.
The Allegations of a 'Smear Campaign'
The claims at the heart of the police review revolve around allegations that in 2011, Andrew provided his personal protection officer with Virginia Giuffre's date of birth and social security number. He allegedly asked the officer to "dig up dirt" on her as part of what was described as a smear campaign. These purported instructions were reportedly given hours before the publication of a now-infamous photograph showing Andrew with Giuffre. Further reports suggested Andrew communicated this request to the then-deputy press secretary to the Queen, while also implying Giuffre had a criminal record. Despite these allegations, it has been reported that the police officer in question did not act upon the instructions.
Giuffre Family Expresses Deep Disappointment
The family of Virginia Giuffre released a statement expressing profound disappointment with the Metropolitan Police's decision. They stated they felt "justice has not been served" and were particularly let down that the investigation was dropped "without explanation" and without prior communication with them. The family revealed they had been in contact with a detective the day prior, who had asked if they possessed any new evidence, giving no indication of the impending announcement. They also voiced surprise that the police did not wait for the release of further documents related to Jeffrey Epstein by the U.S. Congress, suggesting these might contain additional relevant evidence. The family reiterated their commitment to challenging systems that protect alleged abusers.
Broader Context of Andrew's Royal Downfall
This latest development comes after years of public scrutiny surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. His association with Epstein led to a series of escalating consequences for the former royal. In October 2025, King Charles III formally stripped his younger brother of his royal titles and removed him from his Windsor home, seeking to distance the monarchy from the ongoing scandal. Andrew, who now goes by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has consistently denied all allegations of sexual abuse.
His withdrawal from public life began in 2019 following a widely criticized television interview regarding his friendship with Epstein. In 2022, Andrew reached an out-of-court settlement in a civil lawsuit filed against him in New York by Virginia Giuffre. While he did not admit wrongdoing, he acknowledged Giuffre's suffering as a victim of sex trafficking. The Metropolitan Police had previously assessed allegations of trafficking for sexual exploitation involving Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell in 2015, deciding against a full criminal investigation in 2016, a decision that has been reviewed multiple times since without change to the outcome. No allegations of criminal conduct against UK-based nationals emerged from those prior reviews.
Conclusion
The Metropolitan Police's decision not to investigate claims that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor sought to discredit Virginia Giuffre underscores the complex and often contentious nature of high-profile allegations. While the police maintain a lack of sufficient evidence for criminal proceedings, the disappointment voiced by Giuffre's family highlights the enduring quest for accountability from victims and their advocates. The absence of a criminal investigation in the UK leaves open questions for some, particularly with the anticipated release of further documents in the United States related to Jeffrey Epstein, which could potentially introduce new information to this long-running saga. The ongoing implications of these events continue to shape the narrative surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the institution of the British monarchy.
