Prince Andrew has relinquished all his titles after discussions with King Charles and Prince William, it has been revealed. The Duke of York stated that he will no longer utilize his titles and distinctions due to the distractions caused by allegations surrounding his association with Jeffrey Epstein and Virginia Giuffre, which he refutes. In a statement issued by Buckingham Palace, he expressed his commitment to prioritizing his family and country’s welfare, emphasizing his decision to step back from public life five years ago. With the approval of the King, Prince Andrew has chosen to take a further step by renouncing his title and honors.
King Charles reportedly consulted with his son, Prince William, and other family members before Prince Andrew’s decision to give up his titles was confirmed. Despite relinquishing his titles, Prince Andrew will retain his status as a prince and his position as eighth in line to the throne. The changes will not affect his daughters, who will continue to be known as Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. However, Sarah Ferguson, his former wife, will revert to her maiden name of Ferguson, relinquishing her courtesy royal divorcee title.
Furthermore, Prince Andrew will no longer participate in royal events such as the Christmas gathering at Sandringham or the annual Garter service at Windsor Castle. He will also forfeit his role as a Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Although he is giving up his dukedom, he technically still holds the title, which can only be removed through an Act of Parliament.
The titles and honors that Prince Andrew will no longer use include The Duke of York, the Earl of Inverness, and Baron Killyleagh. He will also cease to be a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO) and a Royal Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. These decisions come shortly before the publication of a memoir by Virginia Giuffre, his accuser, with whom he settled a civil sexual assault case for an undisclosed sum.
Prince Andrew withdrew from public life in 2019 following a controversial interview regarding his association with Epstein. He has denied the accusations made against him by Ms. Giuffre, who alleged she was forced into sexual encounters with him when she was a minor. Despite the settlement, Prince Andrew has maintained his innocence in the Epstein scandal.