Prince Andrew gives up royal titles including Duke of York after ‘discussion with King’

First time a duke has lost title in more than a century, says historian

Image source,Reuters

Prince Andrew has announced he will no longer use his royal titles, including the Duke of York, in a move described by historians as a significant moment for the Royal Family. Contemporary historian Anthony Seldon told the BBC News channel that the last time a senior royal lost a dukedom was over 100 years ago, in 1919, when Prince Charles Edward, a grandson of Queen Victoria, was stripped of the Duke of Albany title for fighting on the German side in World War One.

Despite stepping back from his titles, Andrew remains eighth in line to the throne. He will also retain his birthright title of prince and theoretically remains a counsellor of state, although in practice, as a non-working royal, he would not perform any official duties.
Image source,Reuters
Image source,Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Royal biographer Robert Hardman described Andrew’s announcement as an attempt to frame the move as his own decision, while noting it was likely driven by the Palace. Hardman cited Andrew’s past associations with Jeffrey Epstein and an alleged Chinese spy as key factors prompting the decision. “The palace has decided, and Prince Andrew has agreed, that there really has to be a further separation,” he said.

While Andrew will no longer use his titles or honours, nothing has changed constitutionally. He will retain titles received at birth but will cease using later-life titles such as Duke of York, which he received in 1986 upon his marriage. His former wife, Sarah Ferguson, will no longer be known as the Duchess of York.
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Image source,Getty Images Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie

The announcement comes just days before the posthumous memoir of Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre, Nobody’s Girl, is released. In excerpts published by The Guardian, Giuffre alleges that Andrew had sexual encounters with her when she was 17, which he denies. The Prince previously reached a financial settlement with Giuffre in 2022 without admitting wrongdoing.

Prince Andrew’s decision was made in consultation with King Charles and Prince William. Over recent years, Andrew has already stepped back as a working royal, lost his HRH style, and returned his military titles and royal patronages to Queen Elizabeth II.

Andrew will remain a prince and continue to reside at his Windsor home, Royal Lodge, but will not participate in royal Christmas events this year. In his statement, he said the ongoing accusations have become a distraction from the work of the King and the Royal Family, adding that he “vigorously denies the accusations” against him.

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