Prince Andrew’s Potential Return to Global Travel
Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, may be considering a major change in his life after the FBI has concluded its investigation into his links with the late Jeffrey Epstein. A close associate of the 65-year-old royal has suggested that he might soon feel more at ease about traveling internationally.
For the past six years, Prince Andrew has been largely based at Royal Lodge in Windsor. He has reportedly stayed within the UK due to concerns over potential arrest, given his association with Epstein, who was convicted of sexually exploiting and trafficking children. Alongside Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein was involved in serious criminal activities for many years. Despite maintaining that he is innocent, Prince Andrew settled a lawsuit with Virginia Giuffre (formerly Roberts) out of court for an undisclosed amount without admitting any wrongdoing. His connection to Epstein led to his resignation from senior royal duties in 2019.
The recent conclusion of the FBI’s investigation could signal a shift in Prince Andrew’s circumstances. The US Department of Justice has decided not to charge any high-profile individuals linked to Epstein, including the prince. This decision comes as the department appears to be closing its case on the convicted paedophile, despite President Trump’s earlier comments about Epstein in 2002, where he described him as “a terrific guy.”
According to reports, this development may allow Prince Andrew, once known as ‘Air Miles Andy’ for his frequent international travel, to resume his globetrotting lifestyle. A friend, who wished to remain anonymous, told a publication: “He has been abroad once since the scandal began. But without the FBI investigation hanging over his head, he will feel it’s safe to travel.”
The friend added: “He has always been very nervous about going abroad and felt he’d always be looking over his shoulder as he could be subject to civil action or at worst, being arrested. Hopefully with this out of the way, it means he can at least leave the country.”
Royal biographer Nigel Cawthorne, speaking to Newsweek, said that Prince Andrew might finally feel relieved now that he has not been charged. He remarked: “He’s off the hook, isn’t he? The whole thing’s run out of steam.”
A recently released two-page memo from the FBI stated that investigators found no evidence that could lead to an investigation against uncharged third parties. It also noted that spreading unfounded theories about Epstein does not serve justice or the victims. The memo emphasized that one of the government’s top priorities is “combatting child exploitation and bringing justice to victims.”
Officials have also pointed out that claims of the existence of certain theories were based on “unfounded theories,” many of which were promoted by political allies of former US President Donald Trump, who had a close relationship with Epstein.
In its final report, the Department of Justice plans to release hours of CCTV footage from Epstein’s last days at the Metropolitan Correctional Centre in Manhattan before his death. This move is expected to provide further clarity on the circumstances surrounding his final days.
