The Duke of York, who has been previously been dubbed ‘air miles Andy’, could be ready to travel abroad again says a friend following the decision to drop the Jeffrey Epstein case in the US
Prince Andrew may be planning a trip abroad “as he will feel it’s safe to travel” after the FBI ended its probe over his links to Jeffrey Epstein, says a friend of the duke.
The royal, 65, has been permanently staying at Royal Lodge in Windsor for the past six years reportedly out of a fear of arrest if he left the UK. But with the FBI announcing it has officially ended its investigation into his links to Epstein, it means that there is no risk of a case being brought against him.
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Investigators have concluded that no charges will be brought against the Duke of York or any other high-profile associate of the disgraced financier.
The decision, which comes after years of speculation and mounting political pressure, follows a comprehensive internal review ordered by the Trump-appointed leadership of the US Department of Justice (DoJ) and the FBI. And it is just weeks after Elon Musk named Donald Trump as being identified in the infamous ‘Epstein files’.
Andrew was accused of sexual abuse by Epstein’s “teenage sex slave”, Virginia Giuffre, an allegation he vehemently denied. But he stepped down from royal duties in 2019 after his friendship with Epstein came to light.
And now the royal who has previously been dubbed ‘air miles Andy’ – could soon feel able to travel. A friend, reported The Sun, said: “He has been abroad once since the scandal erupted. But without the FBI investigation hanging over his head he will feel it’s safe to travel.
They 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.
“What’s he supposed to do with the rest of his life? He hasn’t been convicted of any crime and can’t sit around doing nothing at Royal Lodge forever.”
Meanwhile, royal biographer Nigel Cawthorne said Andrew would be able to breathe a sigh of relief at the news, having never been charged. “He’s off the hook isn’t he. The whole thing’s run out of steam,” he told Newsweek.
According to a new two-page memo from the FBI, investigators “did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties.” It added that “perpetuating unfounded theories about Epstein serves neither justice nor the victims,” and says that one of the government’s highest priorities remains “combatting child exploitation and bringing justice to victims.”