Met Police will not investigate claims Andrew asked for information on accuser

The Metropolitan Police has decided not to launch a criminal investigation into reports that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor asked his taxpayer-funded bodyguard to investigate Virginia Giuffre in 2011.

The force said previously it is looking into the allegations after the Mail on Sunday claimed Andrew passed Giuffre’s date of birth and social security number to his taxpayer-funded bodyguard in 2011 and asked him to investigate.

In October the newspaper alleged that Andrew asked his bodyguard to dig up dirt for a smear campaign against his accuser.

On Sunday, Central Specialist Crime Commander Ella Marriott said the force would not launch an investigation after assessing the claims.

Andrew has strenuously denied all allegations.

The former royal was stripped of his remaining titles in November amid growing scrutiny over his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew denies accusations made by Epstein survivor Virginia Giuffre, although it is understood that Buckingham Palace considers that there have been serious lapses of judgment.

The former Duke of York was summoned by US Congress in November for a “transcribed interview” in connection with his “long-standing friendship” with paedophile financier Epstein.

This story is being updated – more to follow.