In a decisive move, Prince Andrew has been formally stripped of his royal titles and military affiliations. The announcement, made public on Friday, marks a significant step in the long-running saga surrounding the Duke of York’s associations.
A statement released on behalf of the Prince cited a desire to prevent his personal situation from overshadowing the duties of the monarch and the wider Royal Family. “After discussion with The King and my family, I have concluded that the continued focus on accusations against me is a distraction,” the statement read. “I have therefore, with His Majesty’s agreement, decided to relinquish all my titles and honorary military roles.”
The statement reiterated the Prince’s previous denials of any wrongdoing, stating, “As I have maintained, I categorically deny the allegations made against me.”
Reports suggest the decision followed extensive deliberations, with sources indicating the monarch had reached a definitive point regarding the controversies linked to his brother. For years, Prince Andrew’s name has been connected to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a link that has reportedly caused considerable unease within royal circles.
The Prince’s association with Epstein, including a widely publicized 2011 meeting in New York after Epstein’s criminal conviction, has remained a persistent source of scrutiny. In a past television interview, Prince Andrew expressed regret over the friendship, stating it was “not something that was becoming of a member of the royal family” and that he had “let the side down.”
The controversy was further fueled by allegations from Virginia Giuffre, who accused the Prince of sexual abuse—claims he has vehemently denied. Giuffre’s memoir, set for publication next week, is expected to detail her account of events. In excerpts, she describes being introduced to Prince Andrew in London in 2001 and alleges he held a sense of entitlement regarding their encounter.
This formal removal of titles represents the most concrete institutional action taken to distance the monarchy from the protracted scandal.
