Prince Andrew 'plotting major move after FBI ends Epstein probe'

Prince Andrew may be plotting a major change of circumstance after the FBI ended its probe over his links to Jeffrey Epstein, according to a friend of the Duke. The royal, 65, has been permanently staying at Royal Lodge in Windsor for the past six years amid fears of an arrest if he left the UK over his links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Prince Andrew has repeatedly and vehemently denied claims of any wrongdoing but later settled a lawsuit against the late Virginia Giuffre (formerly Roberts) for an undisclosed sum, without accepting any liability. However, his links to Epstein led to him stepping down as a senior working member of the Royal Family in 2019.

Much to the fury of the late financier's victims, investigators in the US have today concluded that no charges will be brought against the Duke of York or any other high-profile associate of Epstein.

As reported by The Sun, that means the royal - who has been dubbed 'Air Miles Andy' - could soon consider himself free to travel.

An anonymous friend allegedly told the newspaper: "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.

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."

Speaking to Newsweek, royal biographer Nigel Cawthorne said Andrew would be able to breathe a sigh of relief at the news, having never been charged.

He told the publication: "He's off the hook isn't he. The whole thing's run out of steam."

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."

Officials went on to say that claims of its existence were based on "unfounded theories," many of which were spread by political allies of US President Donald Trump, who was once a close friend of Epstein.

As part of its conclusions, the Department of Justice is set to release hours of CCTV footage from the paedophile's final days in custody at the Metropolitan Correctional Centre in Manhattan before he took his life.