Prince Andrew has been spotted driving within the royal estate as the British royal family braces for the release of new Epstein files, reigniting global attention on the Duke of York’s past ties to the convicted offender.
According to The Mirror, Andrew was seen behind the wheel on royal grounds, appearing tense but composed as pressure builds ahead of the document release. The outlet described the moment as unusually public for a royal who has largely retreated from view.
The files, expected to be made public on December 19, are linked to Jeffrey Epstein’s network and contacts. While Andrew has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, his association with Epstein has remained one of the most damaging scandals to hit the modern monarchy.
Pedophile Prince driving around hours before the Epstein files are released. He doesn’t look too guilty does he? 🙄https://t.co/WEqIog9Oue
— Rogue Wave (@roguewaveahead) December 19, 2025
Emails reported by The Guardian previously revealed that Andrew planned to meet Epstein after his release from prison. Even though there were already concerns within the royal family about their association. By saying “it would be good to catch up in person,” it seems as if Andrew did not intend to fully cut ties with Epstein.
“Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor planned to meet Epstein after his release,” the Guardian reported. The outlet then quoted internal correspondence that showed ongoing contact long after Epstein’s 2008 conviction. That history has kept Andrew under a cloud even after he stepped back from public duties. In 2022, he settled a civil case in the United States without admitting liability, a move that removed him from courtroom proceedings but not from public scrutiny.
According to Fox News, royal watchers say King Charles remains deeply concerned about the impact of any new revelations. One royal expert told the outlet that the Epstein issue is “a nightmare that never fully goes away” for the monarchy. “The damage is done, but the fallout is ongoing,” the expert said, according to Fox News. They added that every new disclosure risks reopening wounds the palace has tried to contain.
2025 saw Prince Andrew stripped of his titles and set to be evicted from Royal Lodge in Windsor after revelations over his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.@skynewsniall discusses this year’s Royal scandal with @SkyRhiannon and @jenniebond1
🎧 https://t.co/OegJ4kBdYN pic.twitter.com/iIsWmdviK8
— Sky News (@SkyNews) December 19, 2025
The situation has also drawn renewed attention to Epstein’s wider circle. A Sky News explainer noted that Epstein’s emails reference numerous high-profile figures, underlining how his influence reached into politics, business, and global elites. The outlet emphasized that inclusion in the files does not imply criminal conduct.
Still, Andrew’s name carries particular weight because of his royal status and the detailed nature of past allegations. Now, there are new calls for transparency, with some saying that public institutions should not shield powerful individuals from being held accountable.
The palace has remained silent ahead of the release. Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement addressing the files or Andrew’s recent appearance.
“Everyone can see that it stinks!”
Royal biographer Andrew Lownie on the Royals’ protection of Prince Andrew… pic.twitter.com/im98eL9QKy
— Andrew Gold (@AndrewGold_ok) December 19, 2025
For Andrew, the timing is difficult. His brief public sighting comes as the royal family works to project stability under King Charles. Reportedly, the royal family don’t want anything to overshadow or detract from their official duties.
The renewed focus on Epstein has once again placed Andrew at the center of a scandal the monarchy has tried to move past. As documents are released and examined, attention has returned to old emails, past decisions, and the lasting impact of associations that continue to shape public perception of the royal family.
