Duke of York pushes forward with private ventures as FBI clears his name
Prince Andrew is reportedly taking bold steps toward a new chapter focused on private business deals, now that the FBI has closed its investigation into the Epstein case and found no evidence linking him to wrongdoing.
Although the Duke of York has been largely absent from royal life since being stripped of his titles and patronages, he has remained active behind the scenes. According to friends, Andrew is “relieved” the matter is over and is ready to pursue his next mission — making money.
“It's no secret that it has been a rough couple of years for Andrew, but he is a hard-working guy and he has been working away on deals in the Gulf quietly in the background,” a source told The Daily Beast. “Now, he can put all his focus into business matters.”
Andrew has reportedly spent the last three years helping facilitate international business deals, connecting wealthy individuals — including sheikhs and powerful figures across the Gulf and Asia — in exchange for undisclosed fees.
With the Epstein investigation now behind him, Andrew is said to be preparing for possible travel to the United States, where he could expand his reach and seek new partnerships. “Of course, he is relieved the FBI have now closed the Epstein files… It’s over,” the source added.
Royal biographer Andrew Lownie noted that the Duke is motivated by a desire to maintain his lifestyle. "He wants money. He wants to enjoy a certain lifestyle, and he can do that with the contacts he has made over the years," Lownie said.
Andrew has previously been linked to a deal involving water services in Kazakhstan, where he allegedly earned a one per cent fee, although the deal ultimately collapsed. He was also said to have received a two per cent cut on investment deals brokered through the Chinese arm of his Pitch@Palace initiative — a start-up program he stepped away from in 2019 amid scandal.
While he was once alleged to be part of Epstein's so-called “client list,” the FBI has now confirmed the claims were “unfounded” and that no incriminating evidence was uncovered, clearing Andrew of any official repercussions.
With the case now closed, the Duke of York appears poised to re-establish himself — not in royal circles, but in the world of private enterprise.
