Prince Andrew has announced he will give up using his royal titles, including “Duke of York,” following discussions with King Charles. The decision comes as the prince continues to face intense scrutiny over multiple scandals linked to his past associations.
In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew said, “After discussions with The King and my family, we concluded that the ongoing accusations about me distract from His Majesty’s work and that of the Royal Family.” The change takes effect immediately, according to royal sources.
Prince Andrew has been under pressure due to his controversial ties with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein and an alleged Chinese spy. The scandals surrounding these relationships have long cast a shadow over the royal family. The prince has consistently denied all allegations, saying he “vigorously” defends his innocence.
He stepped back from public life in 2019 after a widely criticized BBC interview about his friendship with Epstein. That same year, he was stripped of his military titles and charitable roles amid growing public backlash.
With King Charles’s agreement, Prince Andrew said he would no longer use his titles or honors. His ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, will now be referred to simply as “Sarah Ferguson,” while their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will retain their titles.
Despite his withdrawal from royal duties, Andrew will continue to live at the Royal Lodge in Windsor under a private tenancy agreement. He will still hold the title of “prince” as the son of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The scandals involving Prince Andrew, including the 2015 lawsuit filed by Virginia Giuffre, have damaged his public image. Though the case was settled out of court in 2022, its impact on his royal standing remains significant.
In other news read more about: King Charles Faces Fresh Abuse Scandal Just After Prince Andrew Is Cleared
