Celebrities

Prince Andrew’s Comeback Hopes Fade After FBI Ends Epstein Probe

Published on July 10, 2025

Prince Andrew’s hopes for any kind of royal comeback may have just taken another hit after the FBI wrapped up its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. The verdict is in, and while no charges are being brought against the Duke of York or other high-profile figures linked to Epstein, this latest development isn’t the clean slate he might’ve been banking on.

Andrew, who’s been keeping a low profile at Royal Lodge in Windsor since 2019, has long denied any wrongdoing connected to the late disgraced financier. Despite insisting on his innocence, he settled a civil lawsuit brought by Virginia Giuffre (formerly Roberts) for an undisclosed sum, carefully avoiding any admission of guilt. The fallout from the scandal saw him step down from royal duties and effectively disappear from public life, reported the Express.

Now, with US investigators confirming that the case is closed and no charges will be filed against him, the verdict may sound like good news at first glance. But according to The Telegraph’s Deputy Royal Editor, Victoria Ward, this outcome does anything but help him.

In her column, she didn’t mince words about the impact the FBI’s decision will have on the royal’s future. “For while the decision not to pursue those connected to Epstein may well be a weight off the Duke’s shoulders, it changes nothing,” she wrote. “In fact, one could argue the decision to close the case does not help him at all. If the Duke is innocent, as he has long protested, he would have been better served by the FBI either opening its files to the public or conducting a thorough investigation.”

And that’s the real kicker. No charges might mean no jail time, but it doesn’t bring back his reputation. Behind palace doors, Andrew might feel vindicated, but outside those gates, the court of public opinion is far less forgiving. Ward added that while the verdict “will be perceived by his closest circle of friends and advisors as an exoneration”, it won’t do anything to restore his position as a senior royal.

As far as the monarchy’s concerned, the ship has well and truly sailed. “It is far too late” for Andrew, Ward concluded, calling the idea of him “moving on” nothing short of a distant dream.

Still, with the FBI case no longer looming, Andrew might be feeling brave enough to stretch his legs beyond British soil. The Sun reported that he could be considering a significant move now that the immediate legal threat is gone. An unnamed friend told the paper, “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.”

Whether that means a quiet trip abroad or something more strategic remains to be seen. But one thing’s certain — while the legal saga might be over, the shadow it cast over Prince Andrew isn’t disappearing anytime soon.

Don’t Miss These: