Prince Andrew has made the significant decision to relinquish several of his esteemed royal titles amidst ongoing scrutiny over his association with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.
This comes shortly after fresh evidence, including flight records, emails, and details from Virginia Giuffre’s memoir, reignited interest in his controversial past.
A Look at the Titles He’ll Abandon
Andrew, in a Friday announcement, expressed, “After discussions with The King and my family, we agreed that the accusations against me have overshadowed His Majesty’s duties and the responsibilities of the Royal Family. I remain committed, as always, to my duties to family and country. It is with this spirit of duty that I made the decision, with the King’s support, to step further back. I will no longer use my title or the honours associated with it. I’ve consistently denied the accusations made against me.”
The titles Prince Andrew will no longer carry include Duke of York, Earl of Inverness, and Baron Killyleagh, along with the prestigious Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order and Royal Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.
Though his dukedom technically requires an Act of Parliament to officially remove it, Andrew has committed to not using it.
Nevertheless, Andrew remains a Prince, a title retained by virtue of his birth as Queen Elizabeth II’s son, and can only be removed via extraordinary measures.
The Accusations Against Andrew
Sarah, Duchess of York, Andrew’s former wife, will also cease using her title, reverting to Sarah Ferguson, whereas their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, remain unaffected by these changes.
Giuffre’s family welcomed this decision, asserting accountability. They stated, “We, the family of Virginia Roberts Giuffre, see this as a vindication for our sister and victims worldwide.” They further implored, “It would be right for King Charles to consider removing Andrew’s title of Prince.”
Giuffre, who passed away in April, had accused Andrew of sexual abuse when she was 17. In her memoir, “Nobody’s Girl,” she claimed that Andrew believed that having intimate relations with her was a privilege of his birthright.
Andrew has consistently rejected these accusations and previously settled a civil lawsuit with Giuffre in the U.S. for a significant sum without admitting fault.
This royal re-evaluation occurs in light of new findings displaying Andrew’s continued interactions with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell beyond his alleged cessation of ties. Flight logs revealed at least four journeys on Epstein’s private jet, including a notable 2006 flight from Luton to Edinburgh accompanied by Maxwell. Emails dated 2019 indicate further communication between Andrew and Epstein, even after Andrew’s 2011 BBC Newsnight appearance.
Already stripped of his military roles, charitable affiliations, and HRH status, renouncing these titles signifies a profound public downfall in recent memory for a British royal figure.
While Andrew retains the designation of Prince Andrew, this step clearly indicates Buckingham Palace’s intent to distance itself from the controversies linked to Epstein and confidantes.
