Metropolitan Police Probes Prince Andrew's Protection Team Over Alleged Abuse During Epstein Island Visits

The Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation into claims that Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's royal protection officers may have ignored evidence of abuse during his visits to Jeffery Epstein's private island in the US Virgin Islands. The probe follows allegations from a former Metropolitan Police officer, who suggested that members of the Royalty and Specialist Protection (RaSP) command may have witnessed misconduct but chose not to act on it. The officer, speaking anonymously, emphasized that while there was no direct evidence implicating Andrew in criminal activity, concerns arose about the protection team's failure to report what they saw on Epstein's property.

Andrew's protection detail accompanied him on at least two trips to Little St James, Epstein's island, including a journey on Epstein's private jet, later nicknamed the Lolita Express. The aircraft, which became a focal point of legal scrutiny, was central to allegations that Epstein used it to transport minors for abuse. The former officer highlighted the tension between the protection team's duty to the public and their perceived loyalty to the Royal Family, stating that some officers appeared to prioritize discretion over accountability.

Virginia Giuffre, who claimed she was sexually assaulted by Andrew on Epstein's island in the early 2000s, took her own life in 2020. Her allegations, along with those of other survivors, led to a global reckoning over Epstein's network of abuse. Survivors have accused Epstein and his associates of trafficking victims to the island, where they were allegedly subjected to sexual exploitation. Giuffre's claims, which included allegations of being forced into sexual acts with Andrew, were part of a broader pattern of abuse linked to Epstein's operations.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson stated that no wrongdoing had been identified in initial inquiries but emphasized that investigations into the allegations were ongoing. The statement noted that any new information, including potential misconduct or criminal activity, would be assessed according to standard procedures. The force's response underscored the gravity of the claims while avoiding premature conclusions.

The former officer described a culture within the Royal Protection Unit that he believed prioritized secrecy over transparency. He alleged that officers who raised concerns about Epstein or Andrew were reprimanded or reassigned, creating an environment where information might have been suppressed. 'They seemed more loyal to the Royal Family than to the Met,' he said, adding that some officers adopted behaviors reminiscent of the Royal Family itself, such as wearing signet rings and using royal titles.

Prince Andrew, who was stripped of his royal titles in 2022 over his association with Epstein, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. His legal team has dismissed allegations as unfounded, though no formal charges have been brought against him. The ongoing investigations by multiple UK police forces, including Thames Valley Police and Essex and Bedfordshire Police, reflect the complexity of the case and the volume of evidence unearthed in the release of over three million Epstein files.

Thames Valley Police is examining allegations that Epstein provided Andrew with a woman for sexual acts at the Royal Lodge in 2010. Meanwhile, Essex and Bedfordshire Police are reviewing flight logs to determine whether Epstein's private jet operated from Stanstead and Luton Airports, potentially linking Andrew to the island. These efforts highlight the broader scope of the inquiry and the potential for new evidence to emerge as authorities continue their work.

The investigation into Andrew's protection team raises broader questions about the role of royal security personnel in high-profile cases. While the Met has not yet found evidence of misconduct, the allegations underscore the challenges of balancing confidentiality, public interest, and legal accountability in cases involving members of the Royal Family.