LONDON – Prince Andrew has relinquished his most significant royal titles, including the Duke of York, in the face of the ever-widening Jeffrey Epstein scandal. But the move is a complex one, leaving many asking: What exactly has he lost, what does he keep, and is he still a prince?
The decision, made after what sources call intense pressure from King Charles, is an attempt by the monarchy to finally distance itself from the controversy that has plagued Prince Andrew for years. While he will no longer use his key titles in any official or public capacity, the legal reality is more nuanced. Here is a breakdown of his current status.
What He Has Lost
Prince Andrew has voluntarily given up the use of all his major titles and honours. This effectively removes him from public life and includes:
- His Dukedom: He will no longer be known as the Duke of York, a prestigious title given to him by his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, on his wedding day.
- Other Peerages: He also relinquishes his secondary titles of Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh.
- Knighthoods: He has given up his role as a Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter (KG) and his Knighthood as a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO).
The practical result is a complete withdrawal from royal tradition. He will no longer attend the annual Garter Day service at Windsor Castle or join the family for their public Christmas Day walk at Sandringham.
What He Still Keeps
Despite losing his public-facing titles, Prince Andrew retains his birthright status and some constitutional roles, though they are inactive.
- He is still a Prince: Andrew was born a prince as the son of the monarch, and this status can only be removed by the King issuing a formal decree known as a Letters Patent. This is not expected to happen.
- Counsellor of State: He technically remains one of the seven Counsellors of State who can act on behalf of the monarch. However, the Palace has clarified this role is now “inactive,” and only “working members” of the Royal Family will be called upon.
The Legal Nuance
Crucially, his titles have been relinquished, not legally removed. To formally strip him of the Dukedom of York would require a specific Act of Parliament, a move considered by royal and government officials to be a messy and unnecessary use of parliamentary time. By having him “voluntarily” give them up, the Palace has achieved its goal without a formal political intervention.
Fallout for the Family
The decision also impacts his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, who will no longer use the courtesy title “Duchess of York” and reverts to her maiden name. Their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, are unaffected and will retain their titles. Andrew and Sarah will also continue to reside at Royal Lodge in Windsor, as he holds a long-term private lease on the property.
