Pizza Express conducted an internal inquiry regarding claims made by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor about his visit to its Woking restaurant on March 10, 2001. This investigation follows Mountbatten-Windsor's controversial 2019 interview where he claimed to have dined there on the day he allegedly had sexual encounters with Virginia Giuffre, one of the victims of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Inquiry Findings on Mountbatten-Windsor's Claims
According to BBC Newsnight, the inquiry aimed to ascertain the validity of Mountbatten-Windsor's statements. Despite extensive searches for records and interviews with former staff, no evidence was found to confirm or deny his presence at the restaurant on that night. The investigation concluded that there was no proof he visited, nor evidence suggesting he did not.
Mountbatten-Windsor's claims gained significant media attention after his interview where he stated, "I’d taken Beatrice to a Pizza Express in Woking... This has all been worked out by my staff, who’ve looked at the diary and everything else." His assertion was seen as an attempt to establish an alibi amid serious allegations.
Background on the Allegations Against Mountbatten-Windsor
Virginia Giuffre accused Mountbatten-Windsor of sexual misconduct, claiming they had sexual encounters when she was 17. Giuffre stated that one of these encounters occurred after they had dinner and danced at a nightclub. This allegation has been a focal point of legal and public scrutiny surrounding Mountbatten-Windsor's past.
Following the resurfacing of these allegations, the Thames Valley Police arrested Mountbatten-Windsor in February 2026 on suspicion of misconduct in public office, although he was later released under investigation.
Calls for Transparency from the Metropolitan Police
The investigation into Mountbatten-Windsor's claims has also led to questions regarding the Metropolitan Police's involvement. A Freedom of Information request was submitted to ascertain whether royal protection officers accompanied him during his alleged visit to Pizza Express. However, the police responded that they could “neither confirm nor deny” the existence of such information, citing national security concerns.
This response has drawn criticism from various political figures, including Sir Ed Davey, who emphasized the need for transparency in cases involving public figures and security protocols. He stated, "I really can’t see how revealing that Andrew had police protection 25 years ago would play into the hands of terrorists as the Met claims."
- Mountbatten-Windsor's claims of visiting Pizza Express in Woking.
- Internal inquiry found no evidence of his visit.
- Virginia Giuffre's allegations of sexual misconduct.
- Metropolitan Police's refusal to disclose protection details.
In light of these developments, the inquiry by Pizza Express and the surrounding circumstances highlight the complexities and ongoing scrutiny of Mountbatten-Windsor's past associations.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC News. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
