Prince Andrew drops Duke of York title

Prince Andrew has agreed to stop using his royal titles, including Duke of York, after consulting with King Charles and other family members, saying continuing allegations about him have become a distraction for the royal household. He will retain the princely style he has held since birth but will no longer use honours or the Duke of York title. His ex-wife, Sarah, Duchess of York, will also refrain from using her title; their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will keep theirs.

The decision follows years of scrutiny over Andrew’s association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and renewed attention after the posthumous memoir of Virginia Giuffre, who alleged he sexually abused her when she was a teenager. Andrew has always denied the claims and previously settled a civil lawsuit with Giuffre without admitting liability. Recent media reports have also raised questions about his contacts with a senior Chinese official reportedly linked to an alleged espionage case, and published emails suggest he may have had later contact with Epstein than he previously stated.

Andrew, once a serving naval officer who saw action during the Falklands War, stepped back from public duties in 2019 and was stripped of military roles and royal patronages amid the controversy. He described his latest move as putting duty to family and country first and said that, with His Majesty’s agreement, he must now “go a step further” to avoid being a distraction. Polling indicates strong public support for removing his remaining titles, while only a small minority view him favourably.

The family of Virginia Giuffre welcomed the announcement as vindication for survivors and a step toward accountability for crimes linked to Epstein’s network. They reiterated accusations that Andrew made misleading statements over his contacts and behaviour. Commentators said the move was overdue but argued it did not go far enough, with some calling for clearer acknowledgement of judgment errors over his past associations.

Andrew will continue to live at Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate and will retain the style of prince, but he is not expected to attend certain royal events, including family Christmas gatherings at Sandringham. The change does not affect the royal status of his daughters. The development marks another chapter in a long-running controversy that has significantly diminished his public role and reputation within the royal family and the wider public.