**Prince Andrew Steps Back from Royal Titles Amid Renewed Scrutiny**
Prince Andrew, Duke of York and the younger brother of King Charles III, has decided to step back from using his royal titles, in light of renewed public and media scrutiny over his past association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This significant development, announced by Buckingham Palace on Friday, marks the latest chapter in the ongoing controversy surrounding the prince, who is the son of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.
**Background and Buckingham Palace Announcement**
In an official statement released by Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew emphasized that the decision was made after discussions with King Charles III, as well as with members of his immediate and extended family. Andrew explained that the persistent allegations and public attention surrounding his past have become a distraction from the duties and work of the Royal Family, particularly those of the King. He stated, “In discussion with The King, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family. I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first.”
The prince reiterated his earlier decision to withdraw from public life, a step he first took five years ago after his relationship with Epstein came under intense scrutiny. “With His Majesty's agreement, we feel I must now go a step further. I will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me,” Andrew said in the statement, once again insisting on his innocence: “As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me.”
**Implications of the Decision**
Prince Andrew’s move means he will cease using the title “Duke of York” in public life, though technically, the legal title remains his. Removing a peerage such as the Duke of York requires a formal vote in the UK Parliament, a step not taken as part of this decision. He will still be known as “Prince Andrew,” since this style was conferred upon him at birth by his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. The palace has indicated that this change takes effect immediately.
According to sources close to the Royal Family, including those who spoke to ABC News, the decision was prompted by the ongoing negative attention surrounding Andrew’s personal issues, which have become an unwelcome distraction from the wider duties and activities of the Royal Family. The process involved consultation not only with King Charles III but also with Prince William, the heir to the throne, and other senior members of the family.
Importantly, the titles of Prince Andrew’s two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will not be affected by this change. However, their mother, Sarah Ferguson, who is Andrew’s ex-wife, will no longer use the title “Duchess of York.” Despite stepping back from public duties and relinquishing his titles in practice, Andrew will continue to reside at Royal Lodge, a property on the Windsor Estate owned by the Royal Family.
**A Timeline of Controversy**
Prince Andrew is the second youngest of Elizabeth and Philip’s four children. His public and royal career has been overshadowed in recent years by his association with Jeffrey Epstein, an American financier who was convicted of sex offenses and died by suicide in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking minor girls.
The controversy first erupted in 2019, when Prince Andrew announced he would step back from royal public duties. He stated at the time that his “former association with Jeffrey Epstein has become a major disruption to my family's work and the valuable work going on in the many organizations and charities that I am proud to support.” In January 2022, Andrew returned all his military titles and royal patronages to Queen Elizabeth II.
In February 2022, Andrew agreed to settle a civil sexual assault lawsuit brought against him by Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s alleged victims. The settlement was reached without any admission of wrongdoing on Andrew’s part. Giuffre alleged that Epstein had trafficked her to Andrew and that the prince had sexually abused her when she was under 18 years old. Andrew has always denied these allegations, challenging Giuffre’s credibility and motives.
**The Virginia Giuffre Lawsuit and Its Aftermath**
Virginia Giuffre, a mother of three, had previously settled a civil lawsuit against Epstein himself for $500,000 in 2009. Her legal battle with Prince Andrew became a focal point in