The Metropolitan Police in London have dropped their investigation into Prince Andrew’s alleged involvement with Jeffrey Epstein. This decision comes as U.S. authorities continue to investigate the Duke of York’s connection to the late financier and convicted sex offender.
On Sunday, London police announced they would take no further action after reviewing a document related to Virginia Giuffre’s ongoing civil lawsuit in the United States. Giuffre, a longtime accuser of Epstein, sued Prince Andrew under New York state’s Child Victims Act, alleging he committed rape in the first degree. She also claims he abused her for the purpose of gratifying his sexual desires and that the Duke was aware she was a victim of sex trafficking orchestrated by Jeffrey Epstein and that she was a minor under U.S. law.
Prince Andrew pictured with his arm around Virginia Giuffre at Ghislaine Maxwell's London home in 2001.
Giuffre detailed one of the alleged encounters during an interview, sharing her experience: “The first time in London, I was so young. Ghislaine woke me up in the morning and said, ‘You’re going to meet a prince today.’ I didn’t know at that point that I was going to be trafficked to that prince.”
Prince Andrew vehemently denied the allegations during a high-profile interview with the BBC, stating, “I have no recollection of ever meeting this lady, none whatsoever,” even suggesting the now-infamous photograph of them together was doctored.
Prince Andrew's 2019 BBC interview where he denied knowing Virginia Giuffre.
In August, the Met Police announced they would review their earlier decision not to investigate the allegations connected to Epstein, emphasizing that “no one is above the law.” The Sunday Times reported that Met officers had questioned Giuffre, but the Met has since confirmed that their review is complete. They will continue to liaise with other law enforcement agencies leading the investigation into matters related to Jeffrey Epstein.
In the same statement, the Met Police also confirmed they would not pursue any further action against Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former girlfriend and alleged accomplice. However, Maxwell’s U.S. court date is set to begin on November 29th.
