In a shocking revelation, the Metropolitan Police have confirmed that no investigation will be launched following the release of court papers linking Prince Andrew to the infamous financier Jeffrey Epstein. The court documents, unsealed by a US court, have implicated numerous individuals as associates of Epstein, but many of them have not been accused of any wrongdoing.
Among the disturbing testimonies contained in the newly unveiled documents, one woman named Johanna Sjoberg alleges that the Duke of York touched her breast while seated on a couch inside Epstein’s Manhattan apartment in 2001. Buckingham Palace has vehemently denied these allegations, describing them as “categorically untrue.”
After the release of the court documents, the pressure group Republic, which advocates for the abolition of the monarchy, reported Prince Andrew to the police. Graham Smith, the group’s chief executive, called upon the Metropolitan Police to initiate an investigation and urged the King to make a public statement on the matter.
Mr. Smith expressed his concern, stating, “To date, there appears to have been no serious criminal investigation, no interview of the accused or other witnesses, and no clear justification for taking no action.”
In response, the Metropolitan Police issued a statement acknowledging the release of the court documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, saying, “We are aware of the release of court documents in relation to Jeffrey Epstein. As with any matter, should new and relevant information be brought to our attention, we will assess it. No investigation has been launched.”
Jeffrey Epstein, a disgraced financier, faced allegations of abusing underage girls as young as 14. His death in 2019 while in federal jail custody in Manhattan, awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, raised numerous questions and conspiracy theories.
Ghislaine Maxwell, an associate of Epstein, is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence after being convicted of assisting in the recruitment and grooming of teenagers for Epstein’s alleged illicit activities.
Prince Andrew has consistently denied all allegations against him. In 2022, he settled a civil case out of court with Virginia Giuffre, who claimed she was sexually assaulted by the prince when she was 17 years old. The settlement, reported to be as much as £12 million, did not involve any admission of guilt.
Buckingham Palace, which no longer represents Prince Andrew after his withdrawal from royal duties in 2019 due to his association with Epstein, has refrained from commenting on the recently unsealed court documents.