London police said Saturday that they will not investigate claims that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, asked a bodyguard in 2011 to dig up dirt on his accuser Virginia Giuffre.

Giuffre, who died by suicide at age 41 earlier this year, had alleged that she was sexually trafficked to Andrew as a teenager by now-deceased financier Jeffrey Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell.

Giuffre sued Andrew in civil court for sexual assault in 2021, with Giuffre and Andrew coming to an out-of-court settlement in 2022. 

What did the British media report about the Andrew bodyguard claim? 

British newspaper Mail on Sunday reported in October that Andrew gave Giuffre's date of birth and social security number to his personal protection officer. The paper said Andrew was seeking information that could be used to smear Giuffre, a dual citizen of the US and Australia.   

The bombshell report shortly before King Charles decided to strip 65-year-old Andrew of his royal titles, with the former prince also expected to leave his Royal Lodge residence. 

In a statement, London Metropolitan Police said it had carried out an assessment that Andrew "asked his Met Police Close Protection Officer to carry out checks" on Giuffre in 2011. 

"The assessment has not revealed any additional evidence of criminal acts or misconduct," Senior Met officer Ella Marriott said. 

Giuffre family 'disappointed' by Met police decision

Giuffre's family said Saturday that they were "deeply disappointed" by the London police's decision, saying it was done "without explanation."

"While we have hailed the UK's overall handling of the case of Andrew Mountbatton-Windsor previously, today we feel justice has not been served," they added. "We continue to challenge the system that protects abusers, especially as more evidence comes to light that can hold people accountable. Our sister Virginia, and all survivors, are owed this much." 

Epstein files slated for release next week

The statements on Sunday from the Met Police and Giuffre's family come days before the US government is required to release its documents pertaining to the criminal activities of Epstein, a convicted sex offender. 

Democrats and Republicans overwhelmingly approved legislation that would force the release of the Epstein files by December 19.

US President Donald Trump, who faces controversy over his relationship with Epstein, had signed the bill into law amid mounting political pressure from both parties. 

Edited by: Rana Taha