Andrew at risk of losing 'US golden ticket' over Epstein scandal

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is said to be at risk of losing his "special royal visa" over the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. The 65-year-old, who was stripped of his royal titles and honours last month, could now face losing his royal visa, according to an immigration expert.

The highest-level clearance, which has been described as the "golden ticket", allows holders to visit America with minimal security checks. Holders are also able to receive special treatment at airports in America.

At the time of writing, Andrew still holds his visa as he remains eighth in line to the throne, although it now states his name now shows as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor rather than the Duke of York.

Due to being a member of the Royal Family, Andrew could have been eligible to receive the A-1 'Head of State' visa, which is known to be reserved by the US State Department for members of foreign royal families.

However, Andrew's eligibility is now unlikely due to his 2022 out-of-court settlement with the late Virginia Giuffre.

Speaking about Andrew, immigration lawyer Melissa Chavin has told the Daily Mail: "After the February 2022 settlement, Andrew was likely taken off the diplomatic visa request rolls.

"A-1 Head of State visas holders are subject to lower security standards.

"But they do require being put forward by the British Foreign Office on their diplomatic visa request lists. Here, Andrew breached a code of trust for those who use diplomatic visas."

She also added: "The British Foreign Office is not likely to continue to recommend him to the US State Department for a diplomatic visa."

Concluding, she added: "He would have trouble getting most other visas due to the 2022 federal case settlement."