Prince Andrew gives up Duke of York title as Epstein scandal returns to spotlight

London: Prince Andrew announced on Friday that he will relinquish his royal title, the Duke of York, and other honours, as renewed attention on his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein once again dominated headlines. 

In a statement issued by Buckingham Palace, Andrew, the younger brother of King Charles III, said, “the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the royal family.” He added, “With His Majesty’s agreement, 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 decision marks yet another fall from grace for the 65-year-old royal, who withdrew from public duties in 2019 following widespread backlash over his friendship with Epstein.

Giuffre memoir sparks fresh scrutiny

Andrew’s announcement came shortly after excerpts from a forthcoming memoir by Virginia Roberts Giuffre were made public. The posthumous book, due for release on Tuesday, revisits allegations that she was trafficked by Epstein and coerced into having sex with the prince when she was 17.

Giuffre, who died by suicide in April at the age of 41, describes alleged encounters with Andrew in the memoir. She had previously sued him in 2021, though the prince denied her claims and stated that he had no recollection of ever meeting her.

Public fallout and the 2019 interview

Once second in line to the British throne, Andrew has long been a figure of controversy due to his ties with Epstein and other questionable associations. His 2019 attempt to counter Giuffre’s allegations during a BBC Newsnight interview only worsened the scandal.

The prince’s comments, such as insisting he was unable to sweat and expressing no empathy towards Epstein’s victims, provoked public outrage. Within days, Andrew was forced to step back from royal duties.

In 2022, Giuffre’s civil lawsuit was settled out of court for an undisclosed sum. Legal filings noted that Andrew acknowledged Epstein was a sex trafficker and that Giuffre was “an established victim of abuse.”

Titles and honours relinquished

The Duke of York title, originally conferred on Andrew by Queen Elizabeth II upon his marriage to Sarah Ferguson in 1986, will no longer be used. In addition, he will forfeit his roles as Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order and Royal Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.

Despite these changes, Andrew will retain his status as a prince by birth. Buckingham Palace confirmed that Sarah Ferguson will also cease using the Duchess of York title. Their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will continue to hold their royal designations.

Fergie’s connection and family life

Andrew’s former wife, Sarah Ferguson, remains a close companion despite their divorce in 1996. The pair still reside together at the 30-room Royal Lodge near Windsor Castle.

Ferguson herself has recently come under scrutiny after reports surfaced of her past correspondence with Epstein. British newspapers revealed an email in which she allegedly referred to him as a “supreme friend,” leading several charities to cut ties with her last month.

During his early years, Andrew enjoyed widespread popularity. His military service, including his role as a helicopter pilot during the 1982 Falklands War, earned him national admiration. His high-profile romantic life and charm made him a frequent feature in the tabloids, celebrated as the royal family’s poster boy.

However, his lavish spending habits and globe-trotting lifestyle later drew criticism. After stepping back from royal duties, questions have persisted about how he continues to fund his lifestyle, particularly the maintenance of the Royal Lodge.

New allegations and financial strain

Earlier this year, court documents revealed that Andrew’s financial troubles and tarnished reputation may have led him into contact with Tengbo Yang, a businessman suspected of espionage for China and banned from the UK in 2023.

Dominic Hampshire, a former senior aide to the prince, testified before a special immigration appeals commission that he had arranged meetings between Andrew and Yang as part of an effort to raise funds.

Andrew has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he did not discuss sensitive matters with Yang and ceased communication once concerns were raised. Following the revelations last December, the prince withdrew further from public view.

(With inputs from AP)