Quick Read
- London Metropolitan Police will not investigate claims against Prince Andrew regarding his bodyguard and Virginia Giuffre.
- Police found no new evidence of criminal misconduct; Giuffre’s family expressed disappointment.
- Andrew was stripped of royal titles after media reports and settled Giuffre’s civil suit out of court in 2022.
- US government will release Jeffrey Epstein files by December 19, potentially revealing new information.
UK Police Close Case on Prince Andrew Bodyguard Allegations
In a decision that has drawn both scrutiny and disappointment, London’s Metropolitan Police have stated they will not investigate allegations that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, previously known as Prince Andrew, asked his bodyguard to uncover damaging information about Virginia Giuffre in 2011. This announcement arrives at a moment when questions about accountability and transparency within the British establishment are as pressing as ever.
The allegations surfaced in October 2025, when Mail on Sunday reported that Andrew provided Giuffre’s date of birth and social security number to his personal protection officer, allegedly seeking information to discredit her. Giuffre, a dual US-Australian citizen, had accused Andrew of sexual assault, claiming she was trafficked as a teenager by the late financier Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Her tragic death by suicide earlier this year further intensified public focus on her case and the broader issues it represents.
Police Assessment Finds No New Evidence
According to the Metropolitan Police, their review concluded that Andrew did ask his Close Protection Officer to perform checks on Giuffre in 2011. However, Senior Met officer Ella Marriott explained that the assessment “has not revealed any additional evidence of criminal acts or misconduct.” In statements cited by both DW and CBS News, police emphasized that no new information had emerged that would justify reopening the investigation. “In the absence of any further information, we will be taking no further action,” Marriott said, acknowledging the pain of Giuffre’s family and friends.
This decision has stirred frustration among Giuffre’s family, who expressed their “deep disappointment” and criticized the lack of explanation from the authorities. “We continue to challenge the system that protects abusers, especially as more evidence comes to light,” the family said, underscoring their belief that justice has not been fully served for Virginia and other survivors.
Royal Consequences and Public Backlash
The claims against Andrew have had far-reaching consequences for his public life. Shortly after the bodyguard allegations surfaced, King Charles III formally stripped his younger brother of royal titles—a move widely interpreted as an effort to distance the monarchy from the scandal. Andrew, now 65, is expected to vacate his Royal Lodge residence, marking a significant fall from grace for the former prince.
Andrew and Giuffre reached an out-of-court settlement in 2022 after she filed a civil suit in New York. While Andrew did not admit to any wrongdoing, he publicly acknowledged Giuffre’s suffering as a victim of sex trafficking. The settlement closed the chapter on the legal front, but public debate and media scrutiny have persisted, fueled by newly released photos from Epstein’s estate and the posthumous publication of Giuffre’s memoir, which reignited attention on her allegations.
Epstein Files Set for Release: Implications Loom
The timing of the police decision coincides with another major development: the imminent release of US government files related to Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal activities. Legislation compelling the release of these documents was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and signed by President Donald Trump, who himself faces ongoing controversy over his connections to Epstein. The files, scheduled for publication by December 19, are expected to provide fresh insights into Epstein’s network and may further implicate high-profile individuals, including Andrew.
For survivors, advocates, and observers, the release of these files is more than a bureaucratic milestone—it is a symbol of the persistent struggle for transparency and justice in cases that often remain shrouded by power and privilege.
Questions of Accountability and Systemic Change
The Metropolitan Police’s decision not to pursue further action leaves many questions unanswered. Critics argue that the threshold for reopening investigations involving prominent figures remains too high, and that survivors’ voices risk being drowned out by institutional caution. The Giuffre family’s public statements reflect a broader concern: whether the systems designed to protect the vulnerable are truly serving their purpose, or merely shielding those with influence.
As the Epstein files are released and the world scrutinizes their contents, the unresolved aspects of the Andrew case serve as a reminder that legal closure does not always equate to societal resolution. The search for accountability continues, not just for Virginia Giuffre, but for all those whose stories intersect with powerful institutions.
The Metropolitan Police’s refusal to investigate further into Prince Andrew’s alleged attempt to discredit Virginia Giuffre highlights the persistent tension between legal thresholds and public expectations of justice. As the Epstein files are set for release, the episode underscores how institutional responses to allegations against influential figures remain a litmus test for broader societal change.