Prince Andrew may have avoided criminal charges in connection with the FBI’s investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, but royal experts warn that his troubles are far from over. The news that U.S. authorities have decided not to pursue charges against those connected to Epstein, including the Duke of York, has brought some relief to Andrew’s camp.
However, it has done little to rehabilitate his public image or restore his standing within the royal family or the public eye. The Duke, who stepped back from official royal duties in 2019, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In 2022, he settled a civil lawsuit filed by Virginia Giuffre—who accused him of sexual abuse when she was a minor—without admitting guilt.
The settlement allowed him to avoid a public trial but also left many questions unanswered. Writing in The Telegraph, Deputy Royal Editor Victoria Ward emphasized that the FBI’s decision to close the investigation should not be seen as a vindication. “For while the decision not to pursue those connected to Epstein may well be a weight off the Duke’s shoulders, it changes nothing,” Ward wrote.
“In fact, one could argue the decision to close the case does not help him at all,” she continued. “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.”
Ward added that some individuals close to the Duke might interpret the FBI’s inaction as a sign he’s now “in the clear,” but in reality, the decision only leaves lingering doubts unaddressed.
Despite avoiding criminal charges, Prince Andrew’s reputation remains significantly damaged. Public opinion turned sharply against him after his disastrous 2019 interview with BBC’s Newsnight, in which he denied allegations and failed to express sympathy for Epstein’s victims. The backlash led to his withdrawal from royal duties and the loss of several patronages.
Even within the royal family, Andrew’s future remains uncertain. He is rarely seen at major public events and continues to live a quiet life largely out of the spotlight. While some insiders believe he hopes for a gradual return to public life, royal analysts insist that his path to redemption is steep and unlikely.
In the eyes of the public and media, the lack of charges does not equate to innocence—only that questions remain unanswered. As Ward noted, “The damage is already done.”