After years of scandal, Prince Andrew has officially relinquished all remaining royal titles, including Duke of York and his Order of the Garter membership. The decision, made under pressure from King Charles, follows renewed controversy over the prince’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Buckingham Palace confirmed the move, describing it as Andrew’s choice to “put duty to family and country first.” Though no longer holding his royal titles, he remains a prince by birth as the late Queen Elizabeth II’s son.
Andrew will continue living at Royal Lodge, Windsor, with Sarah Ferguson, who will now go by her maiden name. Sources said the King felt “something had to be done” to protect the monarchy from ongoing reputational damage.
The family of Virginia Giuffre, who accused Andrew of sexual assault, called the step “vindication” for survivors worldwide. Leaked emails recently revealed that Andrew contacted Epstein weeks after claiming he’d severed ties, further fueling public outrage.
While his titles are placed “in abeyance” rather than revoked, this marks a symbolic end to his public life. For the royal family, it closes a painful chapter — and for Andrew, a retreat into quiet exile.
