Prince Andrew has announced he will stop using his remaining titles and honours, including the Duke of York, in the wake of the Epstein scandal with immediate effect.
The latest development in the long-running controversy comes just days before the publication of a memoir by Andrew’s late alleged victim, Virginia Giuffre, to whom he paid millions to settle a civil sexual assault case.
A statement was released by Buckingham Palace tonight (October 17).
In the statement, Andrew said that in discussion with the King and his immediate and wider family, they decided “the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the royal family”.
Will Prince Andrew still be a prince?
Since Andrew is the late Queen Elizabeth II's son, he will remain a prince due to him being entitled since birth.
The prince added: “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, 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 King’s brother will retain the dukedom, which can only be removed by an Act of Parliament, but not use it.
He will also give up his knighthood as a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO) and his Garter role as a Royal Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.
Will Prince Andrew's family be stripped of their titles too?
The Duchess of York will continue to use her name, Sarah Ferguson, in all areas.
Their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will keep their titles.
