Prince Andrew has relinquished all his titles following discussions between King Charles and Prince William. The decision was made to address the distractions caused by allegations surrounding Andrew’s association with Jeffrey Epstein and claims made by Virginia Giuffre, which he denies. In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, Andrew expressed his commitment to prioritize his family and country over any personal matters. The move to step back from his titles was made in consultation with the royal family, including King Charles and Prince William.
Despite losing his titles, Prince Andrew will retain his status as a prince and his position as the eighth in line to the throne. The decision will not impact his daughters, who will continue to be known as Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Additionally, Sarah Ferguson, Andrew’s former wife, will revert to her maiden name of Ferguson, forfeiting her courtesy royal title as Sarah, Duchess of York.
Andrew will also no longer participate in royal events and ceremonies, such as the Christmas celebrations at Sandringham and the annual Garter service at Windsor Castle. While he will maintain his dukedom technically, only an Act of Parliament can officially strip him of this title. The titles and honors relinquished by Prince Andrew include The Duke of York, the Earl of Inverness, Baron Killyleagh, his Knighthood as a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO), and his role as a Royal Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.
The decision to step back from public life and relinquish titles comes in the wake of ongoing legal challenges and controversies surrounding Prince Andrew’s association with Epstein and the allegations made by Giuffre. Despite settling a civil sexual assault case with Giuffre, Prince Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing in the Epstein scandal.
