In a dramatic move, Prince Andrew, 65, has announced that he is giving up his royal titles, including his designation as the Duke of York, amid renewed pressure over his connection to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. All Prince Andrew titles were voluntarily given up.
Prince Andrew Relinquishes His Titles
In a statement released by Buckingham Palace on Friday, October 17, the Prince said he decided after consulting with King Charles III and other family members.
“In discussion with the King, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family,” Prince Andrew said.
“I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first.”
Buckingham Palace has confirmed the Duke of York will no longer use his title or royal honors following ongoing scrutiny over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
The full statement can be read on the official Royal Family website.
Prince Andrew Titles: No Longer the Duke of York
Prince Andrew’s decision marks the first time in modern royal history that a senior member of the family has voluntarily relinquished a hereditary title. He will remain a prince, but will cease to be the Duke of York, a title granted to him by his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, upon his marriage to Sarah Ferguson in 1986.
