Air Miles Andy bunkers down: Prince Andrew ‘cancels his annual golfing trip to Spain’ as investigation into his relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein
- Prince Andrew is ‘nervous’ to leave the UK so has sacked off Costa del Sol trip
- Fears about travelling abroad worsened after Ghislaine Maxwell was arrested
- Palace source said Andrew will ‘never travel to the US again’ amid investigation
Prince Andrew is understood to have cancelled his annual golfing trip to Spain as the investigation into his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein continues.
The Duke of York is ‘nervous’ about leaving Britain so has sacked off a holiday in the Costa del Sol, sources said.
He was pictured at the Real Club Valderrama in Sotogrande, southern Spain – which claims to be Europe’s most exclusive – just days after Epstein killed himself in prison in 2019.
His fears about travelling abroad have only worsened after his friend Ghislaine Maxwell was arrested on Thursday, reports suggest.
Prince Andrew is understood to have cancelled his annual golfing trip to Spain as the investigation into his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein continues. He was pictured at the Real Club Valderrama in Sotogrande, southern Spain – which claims to be Europe’s most exclusive – just days after Epstein killed himself in prison in 2019 (pictured)
Maxwell could face up to 35 years in prison for six charges of grooming and trafficking amid accusations that she helped disgraced financier Epstein ‘identify, befriend and groom’ multiple girls, including one as young as 14.
Maxwell allegedly introduced the Prince to Epstein victim Virginia Roberts – who alleges she had sex with the Duke of York three times when she was 17.
A palace source told The Sun Andrew will ‘never travel to the US again’ and him leaving the UK in the near future is ‘unlikely’.
The Duke of York’s fears about travelling abroad have only worsened after his friend Ghislaine Maxwell was arrested on Thursday, reports suggest. Pictured: Prince Andrew and Maxwell in Ascot in 2000
It comes amid reports that ministers are hoping Prince Andrew will speak to the FBI over his links to Maxwell and Epstein without them having to intervene.
US prosecutors have lodged a formal request to interview Andrew made through the filing of a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) to the Home Office, as reported by The Sunday Telegraph.
An MLA is part of an agreement with the United States that means they can ask for assistance from British authorities in criminal matters.
Maxwell allegedly introduced the Prince to Epstein victim Virginia Roberts (pictured together in 2001) – who alleges she had sex with the Duke of York three times when she was 17
It comes amid reports that ministers are hoping Prince Andrew will speak to the FBI over his links to Maxwell and Epstein (pictured) without them having to intervene
The request causes something of a predicament for Home Secretary Priti Patel, with the Government keen that US authorities and Andrew sort the issue out between themselves.
The Duke cannot be forced to talk to the FBI, but the submission of the MLA means it could turn into a diplomatic headache for the Government.
Andrew Campbell-Tiech QC, head of Drystone Chambers told the newspaper: ‘I’m sure the Home Office would rather the two parties deal with it themselves without any ministerial involvement.
‘The last thing they want is to find themselves caught between the Royal family on one side and the US authorities on the other. They do not want to navigate through that.’
Andrew has previously claimed he has offered two times to be a witness in the case.
A source close to the Duke said: ‘We’ve been in contact with the US Department of Justice saying we’re willing to offer assistance. The Duke has indicated his intention to cooperate with the investigation and the ball is now in their court.
‘There is still a dialogue going on and we are sure the Home Office would not want to intervene.’
A palace source told The Sun Andrew (pictured) will ‘never travel to the US again’ and him leaving the UK in the near future is ‘unlikely’