Met Police End Prince Andrew Probe, Citing No New Evidence After 2011 Allegation Review
Updated (3 articles)
Met Police Close Investigation After Fresh Assessment The Metropolitan Police announced on 13 December 2025 that it will take no further action on claims Prince Andrew asked a protection officer to obtain Virginia Giuffre’s personal details in 2011, stating the review uncovered no additional evidence of criminal conduct or misconduct [1][2][3]. Central Specialist Crime Commander Ella Marriott emphasized the decision rests on the absence of new information, not on a determination of innocence. The force said it will act only if fresh, relevant material emerges.
Allegations Center on 2011 Request for Personal Data Media reports in October 2025 alleged the then‑prince supplied Giuffre’s date of birth and Social Security number to his close‑protection officer to “carry out checks” before a February 2011 photograph of them together was published [1][2][3]. The story originated in the Mail on Sunday and was amplified by other outlets, prompting the Met’s review. No documentary or testimonial evidence confirming the request was found.
Prince Andrew’s Denials and Prior Settlement Remain Unchanged Andrew, now styled Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor, has consistently denied recalling any meeting with Giuffre and refuted sexual contact in a 2019 interview [2]. He settled a U.S. civil sex‑assault lawsuit in 2022 without admitting wrongdoing, acknowledging Giuffre’s suffering as a trafficking victim. In October 2025, King Charles III stripped him of his princely title and ordered him to vacate Windsor Lodge, with relocation to Sandringham slated for early 2026 [2][3].
Giuffre’s Death and Family’s Disappointment Highlight Ongoing Tension Virginia Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025, a loss that intensified scrutiny of the case [3]. Her family issued a statement expressing deep disappointment that the Met closed the investigation without explanation, noting the pending release of Epstein‑related files under the Epstein Transparency Act [2]. The Met expressed sympathy for Giuffre’s family while reaffirming its decision [1].
Minor Reporting Variations Noted Across Outlets The AP article frames the allegation as a request to a “police‑bodyguard,” whereas the BBC and CNN describe it as a request to a “protection officer,” reflecting slight terminology differences but identical factual conclusions. All three sources agree the Met found no new evidence and will not reopen the case.
Sources
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1.
AP: UK Met Police Decline to Reopen Probe into Prince Andrew’s Alleged Request on Virginia Giuffre – Details the Met’s decision, cites lack of new evidence, includes family disappointment and background on title removal and 2022 settlement .
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2.
BBC: Met Police End Investigation into Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor’s Giuffre Claim – Highlights the closure date, outlines the alleged DOB/SSN request, notes family reaction and upcoming Epstein file releases .
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3.
CNN: UK police close probe into Prince Andrew’s 2011 protection‑officer request – Reports the same closure, describes the 2011 allegation, references the prince’s title removal and Giuffre’s April 2025 suicide .
Timeline
2011 – Prince Andrew allegedly instructs his close‑protection officer to “carry out checks” on Virginia Giuffre, passing her date of birth and Social‑Security number, a claim later highlighted by media reports [2][3].
Feb 2011 – A photograph showing Prince Andrew with Virginia Giuffre is published, later becoming a focal point of the allegations [1].
2019 – In a televised interview Prince Andrew says he “does not recall meeting Giuffre” and denies any sexual contact, maintaining his innocence [1].
2022 – Prince Andrew reaches an out‑of‑court financial settlement of the U.S. civil sex‑assault lawsuit filed by Giuffre, without admitting wrongdoing [1].
Apr 2025 – Virginia Giuffre is found dead; authorities rule the death a suicide, intensifying public scrutiny of the case [2].
Oct 2025 – King Charles III strips Prince Andrew of his princely title and orders him to vacate Windsor Lodge by October, aiming to distance the royal family from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal [2].
Dec 13, 2025 – The Metropolitan Police announce they will take no further action on the alleged 2011 request after a fresh assessment finds no new criminal evidence [1][2][3].
Dec 13, 2025 – Met spokesperson Ella Marriott states the review “has not revealed any additional evidence of criminal acts or misconduct,” confirming the decision to close the probe [3].
Dec 13, 2025 – Giuffre’s family releases a statement saying they are “deeply disappointed” and that “justice has not been served” following the Met’s closure [3].
Dec 13, 2025 – The Met expresses sympathy, noting “the Met’s thoughts remain with Giuffre’s family and friends” after her death [3].
Late 2025 – 2026 – Pending release of Epstein‑related files under the Epstein Transparency Act is expected to provide further context to the case [1].
Early 2026 – Prince Andrew is slated to relocate to the Sandringham estate in Norfolk after vacating Windsor Lodge, as required by the 2025 title‑removal order [1].