U.K. Police Close Investigation into Allegations Against Prince Andrew
Authorities in the United Kingdom have announced that they will not pursue further action regarding allegations that Prince Andrew, the former Duke of York, instructed his publicly funded security detail to investigate Virginia Giuffre as part of an alleged smear campaign. The Metropolitan Police had been reviewing claims that Andrew, now 65, had asked an officer to gather information on Giuffre back in 2011.
The investigation was prompted by leaked emails from 2011 that surfaced earlier this year. In these communications, Prince Andrew reportedly informed the then-deputy press secretary to the Queen that he had tasked a close protection officer with obtaining information about Giuffre. Reports from British newspapers indicated that Andrew provided the officer with Giuffre’s date of birth and Social Security number, with some outlets suggesting he aimed to “dig up dirt” on her. Allegations surfaced that Andrew claimed Giuffre had a criminal record, a statement vehemently denied by her family. It is important to note that there is no indication that these alleged instructions were ever carried out.
The timing of these alleged communications is significant, occurring just hours before the widely circulated 2001 photograph of Andrew with a then-17-year-old Giuffre. In the background of that image stands Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein’s former business partner and a convicted sex trafficker.
Family Expresses Disappointment Over Decision
The family of Virginia Giuffre, an outspoken survivor who tragically died by suicide in April at the age of 41, has voiced their profound disappointment with the U.K. police’s decision.
“While we have hailed the U.K.’s overall handling of the case of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor previously, today we feel justice has not been served,” the family stated. “We continue to challenge the system that protects abusers, especially as more evidence comes to light that can hold people accountable. Our sister Virginia, and all survivors, are owed this much.”
Giuffre had consistently claimed that she was coerced into sexual encounters with Prince Andrew on multiple occasions, including at Maxwell’s London residence when she was a minor.
Prince Andrew has consistently denied all allegations of wrongdoing. However, his past association with Giuffre has generated significant international controversy. In October, his brother, King Charles III, removed Andrew’s royal titles and ordered him to vacate Royal Lodge, his long-time family residence.
Calls for Accountability and Scrutiny
The allegations had previously drawn criticism from prominent figures. Ed Miliband, the UK’s Energy Secretary, had previously characterized the claims as “deeply concerning” and stressed the need for an investigation, emphasizing that “close protection officers should absolutely not be used” in such a manner.
A British campaign group, Republic, has called for a formal inquiry following the Metropolitan Police’s decision. The group contends that this is “the latest in a long line of royal accusations the police have refused to investigate.” Graham Smith, Republic’s chief executive, stated, “If you’re a royal, you can get away with pretty much anything with few consequences. The police never interview the royals as suspects or witnesses and do the bare minimum to investigate accusations. The evidence of corruption and abuse would get anyone else into serious trouble.”
Prince Andrew, who now commonly uses the name Mountbatten-Windsor, settled a civil sexual assault lawsuit filed by Giuffre in 2022. The settlement was reportedly around $16.3 million, though Andrew did not admit any liability in the agreement.
Police Statement and Future Considerations
In their official statement, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that they had interviewed Virginia Giuffre in 2015 when the sex-trafficking allegations involving Epstein and Maxwell first came to their attention. However, they concluded in 2016 that other authorities were better positioned to handle the case, a decision they maintain.
The police added, “As with any other matter, should new and relevant information be brought to our attention, including in any information resulting from the release of material in the U.S., we will assess it. Our thoughts will always be with Ms. Giuffre’s family and friends following her death.” The ongoing scrutiny and calls for transparency surrounding such allegations highlight the persistent societal demand for accountability, regardless of an individual’s status.
