- By Supratik Das
- Sat, 18 Oct 2025 07:32 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Britain’s Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, announced on Friday that he will give up his royal titles, ending decades of public and ceremonial recognition amid ongoing controversy surrounding his connections with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. he 65-year-old prince decided after years of increasing criticism, charges of sexual misconduct, and public criticism that have embarrassed the royal family.
Downfall Rooted In Epstein Ties
Prince Andrew, younger brother of King Charles III and second son of the late Queen Elizabeth II, has long faced questions about his relationship with Epstein, who was convicted of sex offences involving minors. The scandal intensified after Virginia Giuffre, a survivor of Epstein’s trafficking network, accused Andrew of sexually abusing her when she was a teenager. Though the prince has consistently denied all allegations, he reached a confidential settlement in a U.S. civil lawsuit in February 2022.
Recent disclosures, among them an e-mail revealing Andrew had spoken to Epstein after a photo was produced of him with Giuffre, contradicted his previous assertions that he had broken with the financier in 2010. Excerpts from Giuffre’s posthumous memoir, set to be published soon, have reignited public debate and increased pressure on Andrew to step back from all remaining royal titles.
Stripped of Duties And Public Standing
Andrew’s withdrawal from royal life began in 2019 after a BBC interview intended to defend his reputation but instead drawing ridicule for his explanations, including claiming he could not sweat and disputing Giuffre’s account of events. Over time, he was stripped of his military roles, royal patronages, and the style “His Royal Highness.”
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The latest announcement extends this to all remaining titles, including Duke of York, Earl of Inverness, Baron Killyleagh, and membership in the prestigious Order of the Garter. His ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, also loses her Duchess of York title, but their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, keep their royal titles.
From venerated royal and naval commander to one of the most infamous names in the annals of British royal history, Prince Andrew's tale highlights the profound ways that personal actions and affiliations can have a devastating effect on reputation and legacy. With Giuffre's book forthcoming and more disclosures potentially on the horizon, public outcry over the prince promises to keep coming.