Prince Andrew Considers Exile as Scandal Deepens

Prince Andrew is reportedly contemplating leaving the United Kingdom to evade further scrutiny tied to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. According to his biographer, Nigel Cawthorne, the prince feels unwelcome and believes his only option is self-imposed exile. Cawthorne remarked that Andrew recognizes he has reached “the very end of the road here at home,” suggesting that he may seek refuge in a more supportive country where he can live with some peace.

This speculation arises just days after Andrew, aged 65, relinquished his remaining royal titles, including his title as Duke of York, and stepped down from the Order of the Garter, the oldest order of chivalry in the UK. His decision followed discussions with King Charles III and his family. In a statement, he noted, “I have taken this decision in the interest of my family and in response to the current situation.”

Cawthorne highlighted that Andrew’s situation has reached a critical juncture, stating, “He knows he isn’t wanted here. Even his own family no longer wants to be seen with him.” He suggested that Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, will likely continue to support him despite their divorce, although there may be public backlash if they attempt to remain at their Windsor home.

The backdrop to this turmoil is the imminent release of Virginia Giuffre‘s memoir, titled *Nobody’s Child*, which is expected to shed light on her allegations of sex trafficking involving Epstein and Andrew. Cawthorne indicated that there could also be renewed calls for a formal investigation by Scotland Yard into Andrew’s connections with Epstein, who was found dead in a New York prison cell in August 2019.

Andrew now faces a fresh inquiry in the United States. His legal team reportedly settled a civil lawsuit with Giuffre for £12 million following her allegations made in February 2022. As the U.S. government prepares to resume operations after a shutdown, Congress will soon vote on bipartisan bill H.R. 4405. If passed, this bill would mandate the Department of Justice to release its full files related to the FBI’s investigation into Epstein.

In a recent statement, Nancy Mace, a Republican Congresswoman, expressed her belief that justice should be served, asserting, “No one is above the law; victims deserve justice.”

Legal expert Spencer Kuvin, who represents several Epstein victims, described Giuffre’s upcoming book as “the final nail in Andrew’s coffin.” He suggested that the memoir will provide a detailed account of the instances in which Giuffre alleges she was trafficked to Andrew as a minor. Kuvin noted, “He is going to have nowhere to hide anymore,” emphasizing the potential impact the book may have on Andrew’s public standing.

Despite these allegations, Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He concluded his recent statement with a firm denial of the accusations against him, stating, “I vigorously deny the accusations against me.”

Kuvin acknowledged that while the U.S. government might not pursue extradition, Andrew’s absence from American soil for years is a reflection of his awareness of the risks associated with his connections to Epstein. “This case has already destroyed him,” Kuvin remarked, noting that the prince is not welcomed in either the UK or the United States.

As Andrew navigates this tumultuous period, the prospect of a self-imposed exile continues to loom, presenting a stark contrast to the life of privilege he once knew.