In a significant move away from his public role, Prince Andrew has discreetly removed his personalised Duke of York website that once prominently featured royal insignia and personal photographs. The domain dukeofyork.org now redirects to the Royal Family's official Buckingham Palace website, erasing his previous digital presence.
The now-defunct site had displayed the Duke's coat of arms and numerous official photographs, presenting him in his former capacity as a working royal. This digital disappearance follows his £12 million settlement with Virginia Giuffre, who had accused him of sexual assault - allegations the Duke has consistently denied.
A Quiet Digital Exit
Internet archives reveal the extent of the removed content, which included detailed information about his charitable work and royal duties. The site's removal appears to be part of a broader pattern of the Duke stepping back from public life since the controversy erupted.
Royal commentators suggest this move represents another effort to distance the monarchy from the ongoing scandal. "The disappearance of this personalised website signals a continued retreat from public visibility," noted one royal observer. "It's a clear indication that his role within the institution has fundamentally changed."
Broader Royal Distancing
This development comes amidst wider efforts by the Royal Family to manage the fallout from Andrew's association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Duke has already been stripped of his military affiliations and royal patronages, and no longer uses his HRH style in an official capacity.
Buckingham Palace has not commented on the website's removal, maintaining their position of not discussing the Duke's personal digital arrangements. However, the timing suggests coordinated action rather than coincidence.
The digital rebranding leaves Prince Andrew with significantly reduced online presence, mirroring his diminished role within the monarchy. As the Royal Family continues to navigate this challenging chapter, the quiet disappearance of dukeofyork.org serves as another symbolic step in the Duke's retreat from public life.
