New York, October 18, 2025 – In a major development for the British royal family, Prince Andrew has announced that he will no longer use his title as the Duke of York. The decision follows discussions with King Charles III and comes amid ongoing scrutiny over his past connections with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
In an official statement, Prince Andrew said, “The continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family.” He reiterated that he vigorously denies all allegations against him. While stepping down from the Duke of York title, he will retain his status as a prince, a title he holds by birth as the son of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Former wife Sarah Ferguson will also give up her title as the Duchess of York, although their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will continue to retain their royal titles. In addition, Prince Andrew will step down from the Order of the Garter, the oldest and most senior order of chivalry in Britain.
This move comes at a sensitive time, just ahead of the posthumous release of Virginia Giuffre’s memoir, Nobody’s Girl, in which she details her allegations of sexual assault against Prince Andrew and sheds light on Epstein’s abusive network. Giuffre tragically died by suicide earlier this year, but her family welcomed Prince Andrew’s decision as a long-overdue acknowledgment for survivors of Epstein’s abuse. Her brother, Sky Giuffre, called it a “joyous moment” for victims while emphasizing that “this is only one step in a longer fight for accountability.”
Prince Andrew has faced a series of public and legal challenges in recent years. In 2022, he gave up the style of His Royal Highness (HRH) and returned most of his military affiliations and royal patronages. Analysts note that today’s announcement does not legally strip him of the title of prince but removes the public use of titles granted to him during his adult life, including Duke of York, Earl of Inverness, and Baron of Killyleagh.
Royal commentators describe this as one of the most significant public humiliations for a senior royal in decades. Historically, removing royal titles required parliamentary action, with the last instance occurring more than 100 years ago during World War I. Despite stepping back from his titles, Prince Andrew remains eighth in the line of succession and theoretically eligible to act as a counsellor of state. However, as a non-working royal, he is unlikely to carry out any official duties.
Experts suggest that while Prince Andrew presents the move as a personal decision, pressure from King Charles III and senior family members likely played a decisive role. Observers say the renunciation is part of a broader effort by the Palace to manage public perception amid ongoing scandals linked to Epstein.
The announcement also raises broader questions about accountability and the handling of abuse allegations against high-profile figures. Advocates and survivors say that Andrew’s relinquishment of his titles is a meaningful, symbolic step, but much work remains to ensure justice for victims of Epstein’s network.