Andrew to remain a Prince but stripped of his honours and royal associations
Prince Andrew has formally announced that he is giving up all his remaining royal titles, including Duke of York, amid renewed pressure over his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
In a statement released with King Charles’s agreement, the 65-year-old said he had “voluntarily handed back” his titles and stepped away from the Order of the Garter. However, he maintained his innocence, insisting that he continues to “vigorously deny” all allegations made against him.
Andrew’s Full Statement
“In discussion with the King, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family.
I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first.
I stand by my decision five years ago to step back from public life.
With His Majesty’s agreement, we feel I must now go a step further. I will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me. As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me.”
Will Andrew Still Be a Prince?
Although he has relinquished his titles, Andrew remains a prince by birth. He will no longer be styled as the Duke of York, a title bestowed upon him by his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Andrew had already ceased being a “working royal” years ago, losing the right to use “His Royal Highness” and being excluded from official royal duties. His public role is now effectively over, with his presence at royal events expected to be minimal or nonexistent.
Sarah Ferguson Also Loses Duchess Title
Andrew’s ex-wife will now be known simply as Sarah Ferguson. She no longer holds the title of Duchess of York. However, their daughters will continue to be known as princesses.
The decision comes amid renewed scrutiny of Andrew’s conduct and continued fallout from his association with Epstein. Despite Andrew’s previous claims in his 2019 BBC Newsnight interview that he cut ties with Epstein in 2010, later emails from early 2011 revealed they were still in contact.
With a posthumous memoir by Virginia Giuffre due to be published next week, attention on Andrew’s past actions is expected to intensify, putting further pressure on the monarchy to distance itself from controversy.
