Prince Andrew renounces royal title 'Duke of York' amid ongoing Epstein scandal: 'Will step back from public life'

Prince Andrew will step down from public life and relinquish his royal title amid ongoing allegations linked to Jeffrey Epstein. His decision, taken after discussions with the royal family, is part of King Charles’ efforts to reform the monarchy. Britain’s Prince Andrew is no longer the Duke of York. (REUTERS) Prince Andrew has confirmed that he will step away from public life completely and stop using his royal title and honours, following discussions with King Charles III and senior members of the royal family. Prince Andrew relinquished his title of Duke of York. In a statement issued on Friday evening, Prince Andrew said the decision was made after consultation with his family and in light of the ongoing investigation surrounding him. “In discussions with The King, and my immediate and wider family, we have taken the continued allegations about me away from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family,” Andrew said. “I have decided, as always, to put my duty to my family and country first. I stand by my decision five years ago to step back from public life.” He continued, “With His Majesty’s agreement, we feel I must now go a step further. Therefore, I will no longer use my title or the honors bestowed upon me. As I said before, I strongly deny the accusations against me.” What does this mean for Prince Andrew? Although Andrew will remain a prince by birth, he will no longer hold the title Duke of York, which was bestowed upon him by his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II. The move represents a significant development in the ongoing reform of the monarchy under King Charles, who has sought to streamline the institution and distance it from controversy. Prince Andrew’s infamous controversy Prince Andrew, now 65, has faced widespread public backlash since 2019 over his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. His association with Epstein and allegations of sexual misconduct brought against him by Virginia Giuffre led to a major scandal that rocked the royal family. Although Andrew consistently denied all allegations and reached an out-of-court settlement with Giuffre in 2022 without admitting liability, the consequences were severe. He was stripped of his royal patronage and military connections, and his public reputation was left in tatters. The decision to step back further from royal life – and to relinquish his title – marks a decisive end to Prince Andrew’s formal public role