Prince Andrew has agreed to cease using the Duke of York title, following discussions with King Charles and other family members, Buckingham Palace announced. The prince will also relinquish his honours as a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order and Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter, leaving him with only the title of prince, which he retains by birth.
In a statement, Andrew said: '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. I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first.' He added that he 'vigorously denies the accusations against me.'
The decision was taken after high-level meetings at Buckingham Palace, with aides reportedly reaching a 'tipping point' over ongoing headlines causing reputational risk to the monarchy. The Prince of Wales and other family members were consulted, and the king is understood to be pleased with the outcome.
Andrew's ex-wife, Sarah, Duchess of York, will also stop using her title and be known as Sarah Ferguson. The titles of their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, remain unaffected. Technically, Andrew retains the dukedom, which can only be removed by an act of parliament, but it will remain inactive, similar to his HRH honorific.
The allegations against Andrew relate to his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and recent claims in a memoir by Virginia Giuffre, who died in April. Giuffre's family called the title decision 'vindication for Virginia' and urged King Charles to remove Andrew's title of prince. Andrew has always denied the allegations and settled a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £12 million without admitting liability.
