Prince Andrew has announced that he will relinquish the use of all royal titles and honors, marking the most dramatic step yet in his long fall from public life. The decision, confirmed by Buckingham Palace on Friday, follows ongoing controversy surrounding the Duke of York’s ties to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
In his statement, Andrew said the continued allegations against him have become a distraction from the work of King Charles III and the royal family. With the agreement of the King and other family members, the 65-year-old royal said he will no longer use his official styling or titles. Though the move was voluntary, formally removing his titles would require an act of Parliament.
Andrew’s decision also extends to his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, who will no longer use the title Duchess of York. She will instead go by her own name in public and professional settings. The pair, who divorced in 1996 but have remained close, will continue living at Royal Lodge on the Windsor Castle estate under a private tenancy agreement unaffected by his change in status.
While his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will retain their titles, the announcement underscores the deepening isolation of the King’s younger brother. Reports indicate Andrew will not attend this year’s royal Christmas festivities at Sandringham, continuing a pattern of reduced involvement in official family events.
The announcement follows renewed media attention over resurfaced emails allegedly linking Andrew to Epstein after he claimed to have severed contact. Andrew has consistently denied all allegations of sexual misconduct and wrongdoing.
Once a senior working royal, Andrew lost his military titles and patronages in 2022 following a U.S. civil lawsuit brought by Virginia Giuffre, which was settled out of court. His role has since been largely ceremonial, with his public appearances limited to private family gatherings and funerals.
Source: People