This announcement comes amid renewed scrutiny of Prince Andrew’s connection with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following excerpts from Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir that reiterate her previous allegations against the royal. He continues to “vigorously deny the accusations” against him.
“The continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family,” Prince Andrew said in a statement today. “I will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me.”
While he will remain a prince by birth, he will no longer be known as the Duke of York and lose various other honors. He previously stepped back from royal duties in 2019 and lost his HRH title in 2022.
As noted in his statement, the decision was made in close consultation with King Charles, his older brother. Prince William was also consulted on the decision.
