LONDON: British police said on Friday no new investigation had been launched into allegations relating to Prince Andrew following the release this week of court documents relating to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew, 63, a younger brother of King Charles, has always denied accusations of sexual wrongdoing and in Feb 2022 settled a US lawsuit brought by Virginia Giuffre accusing him of sexually abusing her when she was a teenager.

Details of Giuffre’s allegations and those made by another Epstein accuser against the British royal have been previously reported, but featured in previously redacted court documents detailing the extent of Epstein’s alleged sex trafficking activities which were unsealed on Wednesday.

In Oct 2021, London’s Metropolitan Police said it would not be taking any action against the prince following a review of the evidence in the wake of Giuffre filing her lawsuit.

The anti-monarchy group Republic said on Thursday it had reported Andrew again to detectives, saying the authorities had not properly looked into the allegations and the case should be reopened. However, police said no new inquiry had been started.

“We are aware of the release of court documents in relation to Jeffrey Epstein,” London police said in a statement. “As with any matter, should new and relevant information be brought to our attention we will assess it.”

Published in Dawn, January 6th, 2024