The Metropolitan Police has officially closed its review into allegations concerning Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, bringing an end to speculation about potential criminal proceedings against the royal.
Police Conclude No Grounds for Investigation
Scotland Yard confirmed that after careful assessment of information related to claims made by Virginia Giuffre, there would be no further action taken against Ferguson. The decision comes after the duchess reached an out-of-court settlement with Ms Giuffre earlier this year.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police stated: "We have reviewed the available information and determined that no further action will be taken." The force emphasised that their assessment followed standard procedures for evaluating such allegations.
Background to the Royal Controversy
The allegations stemmed from Virginia Giuffre's civil case against Prince Andrew, in which she claimed she was forced to have sex with the royal when she was 17. While Sarah Ferguson was not directly accused of misconduct in the original lawsuit, questions had been raised about her knowledge of the situation.
The duchess has consistently maintained her innocence and cooperation with authorities throughout the process. Her legal representatives highlighted that she had voluntarily provided any requested information to the police during their review.
Wider Implications for the Royal Family
This development marks another chapter in the ongoing saga surrounding Prince Andrew's association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The duke settled his civil case with Ms Giuffre in February for a reported £12 million, though he admitted no wrongdoing.
Buckingham Palace has remained tight-lipped about the police decision regarding Ferguson, reflecting the institution's continued efforts to distance itself from the controversy that has plagued Prince Andrew in recent years.
The resolution of this police review allows Sarah Ferguson to move forward without the cloud of potential criminal investigation, though the royal family continues to navigate the fallout from the wider scandal.
