Prince Andrew has agreed to give up his royal titles to save the royal family from further embarrassment over his connections with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Though he took a “step back” from his role as a senior royal in November 2019, he has continued to use the “Duke of York” title that was conferred by Queen Elizabeth II on his wedding day in 1986.
The prince shared the news in a statement issued through Buckingham Palace on Friday, adding that he consulted King Charles III in the course of making his decision. “I stand by my decision five years ago to stand back from public life,” it read. “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.”
Though his accuser, Virginia Giuffre, died by suicide earlier this year, her allegations have resurfaced in a memoir that is due to be published on October 21. In his statement, Andrew continued to deny all claims of impropriety. “As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me,” the statement read. “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.”
It is understood that the prince agreed to give up his remaining royal titles amid mounting pressure over his links with Epstein and an alleged Chinese spy. The king, who has been at a loss over how to deal with what is known as the “Andrew problem” at the palace, is said to be “glad” about the outcome.
Along with other members of the royal family, Prince William, who has privately been concerned about the optics of Prince Andrew retaining his titles and being seen as close to the royal family, was consulted.
Sources say the decision for Andrew to give up his titles was taken in close deliberation with the king and in recognition of the fact that the prince’s personal issues continue to distract from the work of the wider royal family. It is understood that the king appealed to Prince Andrew, who still lives at Royal Lodge on the Windsor Estate, to do the right thing and give up his titles in order to preserve the reputation of the monarchy.
