Prince Andrew has been facing the consequences of being associated with Jeffrey Epstein for years now. Though he was stripped of his military titles and patronages by Queen Elizabeth back in 2022, he’s taken it a step further now, releasing a statement saying that he will no longer use the title “Duke of York.” How much of this was his own doing versus pressure from his brother, the King, is unknown. Keep reading for more information.
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Prince Andrew No Longer The Duke Of York
When it came out that Prince Andrew was close friends with Jeffrey Epstein, he was stripped of his military titles and royal patronages by Queen Elizabeth. He was no longer considered a "working royal" and couldn't perform any public duties for the royal family. However, since then, he's retained the title "Duke of York." Until now.
On October 17th, he released a statement explaining he would no longer answer to that title. "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," he said. "I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first. I stand by my decision five years ago to stand back from public life."
"With His Majesty’s agreement," he continued, "we feel I must now go a step further. I will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me. As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me." The honors he's referring to include his knighthoods and membership of the Order of the Garter.
King Charles Reaches A Tipping Point
It's unlikely that Prince Andrew came to this conclusion on his own. Rather, his brother, King Charles, and potentially even his nephew, Prince William, likely had a hand in this statement being released. According to sources, King Charles has reached "a tipping point" with his brother, and while he's been known to have a soft spot for his younger brother. Prince William has nothing of the sort.
Royal experts are saying that Prince William wants Prince Andrew stripped of his titles before he becomes King, and has been putting pressure on both Andrew and his father to make this a reality. Legally removing Prince Andrew's titles isn't an easy task: it requires an act of Parliament. With the current situation, Prince Andrew still holds his titles, he's just saying he won't use them. Will this be enough for Prince William, future King? Only time can tell.
