Significant measures are being taken within the highest echelons of the monarchy to safeguard its public standing, with a senior royal figure reportedly leading efforts to distance the institution from a family member embroiled in persistent scandal.
The Duke of York, Prince Andrew, has been formally stripped of his royal titles and military affiliations. This decisive action follows years of damaging allegations linking him to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. A palace statement confirmed the Duke would no longer use his style of “His Royal Highness” or undertake any public duties.
Sources indicate the move was driven by a recognition that the ongoing controversy posed a severe threat to the monarchy’s reputation. A key figure within the royal household is said to have advocated for stringent restrictions, viewing the Duke’s association with the family as untenable given the nature of the allegations. These concerns reportedly extend to the potential message sent to survivors of abuse by the Duke’s presence at official functions.
The controversy centers on allegations made by Virginia Giuffre, who accused the Duke of sexual abuse—claims he has consistently and vehemently denied. The situation intensified with the recent publication of alleged correspondence suggesting the Duke sought to use police contacts to investigate Ms. Giuffre over a decade ago. In the correspondence, personal details of the accuser were reportedly provided to a police officer.
Ms. Giuffre, who died earlier this year, detailed her allegations in a forthcoming memoir. In excerpts, she describes being introduced to the Duke as a teenager and makes serious claims about their encounters. Her family has stated that the released correspondence reveals attempts to discredit survivors.
The decision to remove the Duke’s titles is understood to reflect a firm stance from the monarch, who has reportedly reached a definitive point in dealing with the long-running saga. Further steps are under consideration, including potentially barring the Duke and his former wife from future royal events to draw a clear line between the working monarchy and the personal controversies of its members.
The Duke maintains his innocence, stating in his withdrawal announcement that he continues to “vigorously deny the accusations” but believes his position has become a distraction from the public work of the royal family.
