The Met Police have issued a full statement after their bombshell decision not to probe Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor over claims he asked his taxpayer-funded bodyguard to investigate Virginia Giuffre.

The decision not to launch a criminal probe came after the force investigated allegations, reported by the Mail on Sunday in October, that Andrew had given his bodyguard Ms Giuffre's date of birth and social security number in 2011. The claims suggest he asked his bodyguard to dig up information on Ms Giuffre to fuel a smear campaign against his accuser. Today, the Met said a further assessment "has not revealed any additional evidence of criminal acts or misconduct". Ms Giuffre’s family hit out at their decision, calling it "deeply disappointing" and saying it was made "without explanation and without speaking to us".

In a statement, a spokesperson for the force said: “Our thoughts will always be with Ms Giuffre’s family and friends following her death. In 2015, the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) received allegations relating to non-recent trafficking for sexual exploitation involving Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. These allegations primarily concerned events outside the United Kingdom , with one allegation of trafficking to central London in March 2001.

“Officers assessed all available evidence at the time, interviewed the complainant, Ms Virginia Giuffre as well as contacting several other potential victims. This did not result in any allegation of criminal conduct against any UK-based nationals. The MPS sought advice from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and liaised with United States authorities, who were leading investigations into related matters involving US nationals.

"Following this legal advice, it was clear that any investigation into human trafficking would be largely focused on activities outside the UK and perpetrators based overseas. Officers therefore concluded, in consultation with the CPS, that other international authorities were best placed to progress these allegations.

"Officers maintained close liaison with the United States and other relevant authorities throughout their investigation to ensure any UK matters could be identified and to consider any support requested.

“A decision was made in November 2016 not to proceed to a full criminal investigation. That decision was reviewed in August 2019 and again in 2021 and 2022; in each instance, the position remained unchanged, and Ms Giuffre and her legal representative were informed.

“Following recent reporting suggesting that Mr Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor asked his Met Police close protection officer to carry out checks on Ms Giuffre in 2011, the MPS has carried out a further assessment. This assessment has not revealed any additional evidence of criminal acts or misconduct.

“The Met remains committed to thoroughly assessing any new information that could assist in this matter. To date, we have not received any additional evidence that would support reopening the investigation. In the absence of any further information, we will be taking no further action. 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 US, we will assess it.”

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