Prince Andrew Relinquishes Duke of York Title After Epstein Backlash

Prince Andrew has confirmed he will no longer use his title as Duke of York and has relinquished associated honors, following renewed scrutiny over his long-documented ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The announcement came as recent reports reignited public outrage over his connection to the convicted sex offender and raised questions about the royal family’s response to the scandal.

In a statement released via Buckingham Palace, Andrew said the decision was made in consultation with King Charles III and the wider royal family. “The continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family,” he said, while repeating that he “vigorously denies” the allegations against him. The decision also impacts his former wife, Sarah Ferguson, who will no longer be known as the Duchess of York.

Allegations, settlements, and royal fallout

Andrew’s step away from public life began in 2019, when he withdrew from official duties after a BBC Newsnight interview widely viewed as disastrous. In that interview, he attempted to explain his relationship with Epstein and denied sexual abuse allegations brought by Virginia Giuffre. She accused the prince of sexually abusing her when she was 17 years old, claims he strongly denied but ultimately settled with a reported multi-million dollar payment in 2022 without admitting guilt. Giuffre died by suicide earlier this year, and her family has called Andrew’s latest move a “vindication” for her and other survivors.

A newly resurfaced 2011 email, first published by the Daily Mail, allegedly shows Andrew contacting Epstein after a photograph circulated of him with his arm around Giuffre. The email reportedly reads, “We are in this together. Play some more soon.” This correspondence appears to contradict Andrew’s past claim that he cut off all contact with Epstein in 2010.

Sarah Ferguson has also faced renewed scrutiny following the reappearance of her own email to Epstein from 2011, where she reportedly referred to him as a “supreme friend.” According to a spokesperson, Ferguson only sent the message after receiving legal advice to try and appease Epstein, who was allegedly threatening legal action against her. She has since publicly condemned him.

Pressure mounts for further royal action

While Buckingham Palace has officially acknowledged the removal of Andrew’s usage of titles and honors, activists and Giuffre’s family are calling for stronger steps. Under UK law, removing his actual dukedom would require an act of Parliament. Revoking his title as prince, however, is at the discretion of the monarch, requiring a formal issuance of Letters Patent.

This latest development follows the firing of Peter Mandelson, the UK’s former ambassador to the United States, over his own undisclosed ties to Epstein, which he denies. The reemergence of these connections has refocused global attention on the extent of Epstein’s reach, particularly among elite British institutions.

Giuffre’s family issued a public statement applauding the palace’s move, calling it a moment of justice not just for Virginia, but for all survivors. “He knows what happened. I know what happened. And there’s only one of us telling the truth,” Giuffre once said. Now, in the eyes of many, the royal establishment is finally being forced to reckon with that truth.