The Metropolitan Police Service is facing mounting pressure over its handling of the Prince Andrew investigation, as new revelations emerge about the force's response to allegations linking the Duke of York to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
Police Under Fire for Investigation Approach
Scotland Yard finds itself at the centre of a growing storm as documents reveal the extent of their involvement - or lack thereof - in examining Prince Andrew's connections to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The force's decision-making process is now under intense scrutiny from both legal experts and victim advocacy groups.
Commander Jon Savell, representing the Met, recently defended the force's position, stating they had reviewed available information on three separate occasions. "Each time we concluded that no further investigation was required," Savell asserted during a police and crime committee meeting.
Victim's Legal Team Demands Action
The legal representatives for Virginia Giuffre, who settled her civil case against Prince Andrew out of court, have expressed profound disappointment with the Metropolitan Police's approach. They argue that the failure to pursue a criminal investigation represents a significant miscarriage of justice.
"Our client has cooperated fully with authorities, yet sees no meaningful progress in holding powerful individuals accountable," a spokesperson for Giuffre's legal team stated. The settlement, while resolving the civil matter, leaves unanswered questions about potential criminal conduct.
Political Pressure Intensifies
London Assembly members have joined the chorus of criticism, with several demanding a more transparent explanation of the Met's decision-making process. Green Party Assembly Member Caroline Russell has been particularly vocal, questioning whether the police are applying the same standards to high-profile individuals as they do to ordinary citizens.
Russell emphasised during committee hearings: "The public needs reassurance that wealth and status don't influence investigative decisions. The Epstein case involves serious allegations that demand thorough examination, regardless of who might be involved."
Ongoing Fallout from Epstein Connections
The controversy continues to haunt both the royal family and law enforcement agencies. Prince Andrew's association with Epstein, which led to his withdrawal from public duties, remains a persistent source of embarrassment for the monarchy.
Legal experts note that while the civil settlement closed one chapter, it hasn't resolved underlying questions about what British authorities knew about Epstein's activities and his connections to powerful figures in the UK.
The Metropolitan Police maintains that their review process was thorough and professional, but acknowledges the ongoing public interest in the case. With pressure building from multiple directions, the force may need to provide a more detailed accounting of their decisions regarding one of the most high-profile figures ever linked to an international sex trafficking scandal.
