Prince Andrew's lonely royal tour: Only one fan reportedly shows up to welcome Duke

The Duke of York yesterday attended the Murdoch University in Perth, where there was little fanfare. Photo / Getty

Prince Andrew's trip to Australia has taken place with little fanfare and almost no media coverage, after its promotion was wound back due to intense media scrutiny over the Duke of York's friendship with dead paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

The Duke of York yesterday attended the Murdoch University in Perth, where he was greeted by just a single fan — a schoolteacher and devoted royal hunter, Renae Grljusich-Poolman — according to The Australian.

Media was kept roped off from the courtyard where the Duke arrived, and others in the courtyard reportedly failed to notice the British Prince's arrival.

Grljusich-Poolman said the sorry turnout to see the Duke of York was "disappointing", saying the speculation surrounding the Prince, and his links to billionaire sex offender Epstein had "marred his credibility".

The Duke is in Australia to act as patron for the Pitch@Palace event, which encourages young entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas to potential investors, news.com.au reports.

The lonely scene was in sharp contrast to the other British royals tour, which has seen the Duke and Duchess of Sussex living it up in South Africa, meeting with throngs of adoring fans over the last 10 days.

Prince Andrew arrived in Australia on Monday night, after it was reported by The Sunday Times the FBI had expanded its investigation into dead financier Epstein, and was actively seeking those who could provide information on the Duke of York.

Prince Andrew looks at giant chairs bearing Pitch@Palace logos after being greeted by Professor Romy Lawson at the university. Photo / Getty

The newspaper said, citing unnamed sources from within the FBI, they planned to interview witnesses over coming months, and that Scotland Yard was ready to assist with the investigation.

The report claimed the FBI was looking to speak with "several" potential victims with the hope they could provide more details about Prince Andrew and his supposed involvement in the Epstein case.

Scotland Yard previously investigated claims made by one Epstein accuser, Virginia Giuffre, who said she was sexually abused by Prince Andrew when she was 17.

The claims, made in a US civil case, were investigated in the UK and dismissed by a judge who called them "immaterial and impertinent".

Prince Andrew has strongly denied all allegations against him, calling them "false" and "without foundation".

The Duke of York is expected to remain in Western Australia until tomorrow, when he is due to attend another event at Government House.

Epstein took his own life in prison in August as he was awaiting charges of child sex trafficking.