Scotland Yard Abandoned Its Investigation Of Prince Andrew. Here's Why
Scotland Yard has abandoned its investigation of the sex abuse allegations surrounding Prince Andrew. As The Daily Mail reported, officers of the Metropolitan Police force reportedly spoke to the Duke of York's accuser, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, and later decided to take no further action over her allegations that she was sex trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein and forced to have sex with Prince Andrew at the age of 17 while in London.
Scotland Yard has previously looked into the allegations made by Giuffre but never opened a full investigation, claiming that the case is a matter for the United States authorities.
Per The Mirror, a Met spokesperson said in a statement on Sunday, October 10, "As a matter of procedure, MPS officers reviewed a document released in August 2021 as part of a US civil action. This review has concluded and we are taking no further action."
Giuffre also alleged that she was forced to have sex with the senior royal on Epstein's private island and in his New York mansion. However, Prince Andrew denies all allegations made against him.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
Virginia Roberts Giuffre filed a civil lawsuit against Prince Andrew
Per The Independent, Giuffre also filed a civil lawsuit against the Duke of York in the United States accusing him of "rape in the first degree." In August 2021, the Met Police commissioner, Cressida Dick, confirmed that Scotland Yard would closely follow any developments in the U.S. civil suit against Prince Andrew and also review the force's decision to not open a formal investigation into the allegations.
According to The Daily Mail, Prince Andrew has hired a team of top U.S. lawyers to fight against Giuffre's civil case in New York and has previously claimed that he has "no recollection" of ever meeting his accuser.
In the lawsuit, Giuffre alleges that she has experienced "significant emotional and psychological distress and harm" due to her alleged abuse, claiming that she was "compelled" by Andrew to "engage in sexual acts" and "feared death or physical injury" if she dared to disobey Epstein's orders because of his powerful connections.