LONDON – Buckingham Palace and the British government are confronting intensified calls to formally strip Prince Andrew of all his remaining royal titles, following fresh revelations about his enduring association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his settlement with accuser Virginia Giuffre.
Mounting Pressure and Public Scrutiny
Despite Prince Andrew agreeing to cease using his title as Duke of York and other honours, critics, including Virginia Giuffre’s brother, Sky Roberts, are urging King Charles III to go further and remove the title of ‘prince’ itself, arguing he should not be able to retain it.
New details have emerged from court documents and emails suggesting Prince Andrew maintained contact with Jeffrey Epstein as late as 2011, contradicting his previous public statements that he had severed ties in 2010. This has reignited public anger and scrutiny over his past conduct and his deep-rooted friendship with the disgraced financier.
Relinquishing Titles: A Step Too Far?
In October 2025, following discussions with his elder brother, King Charles III, Prince Andrew announced he would no longer use his titles or honours. This included relinquishing the Duke of York title, the Earl of Inverness, Baron Killyleagh, his knighthood as a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO), and his role as a Royal Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. While Prince Andrew agreed to these measures to prevent further distraction to the monarchy, he technically retains his ducal title, which can only be removed by an Act of Parliament. As a son of the late Queen Elizabeth II, he also retains his inherent title of ‘prince’.
His statement indicated a desire to “put my duty to my family and country first,” while also reiterating his vigorous denial of the allegations against him. Andrew had previously paid millions in an out-of-court settlement in 2022 to Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual assault when she was 17. In that settlement, he acknowledged Giuffre’s suffering as a victim of sex trafficking but did not admit guilt.
Calls for Parliamentary Intervention
Opposition politicians, including Scottish National Party lawmaker Stephen Flynn, have been vocal in their demands for legislative action. They argue that Parliament possesses the power to strip titles through legislation, citing historical precedents such as the Titles Deprivation Act 1917. These MPs believe that the government should not shy away from using such measures to hold royals accountable to the same standards as ordinary citizens.
MP Rachael Maskell has previously proposed private members’ bills to grant the monarch powers to remove titles and is renewing pressure for such legislation to move forward.
Official Stance and Public Sentiment
Buckingham Palace and the government have indicated they will be guided by the Royal Family’s wishes on the matter. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated that stripping Prince Andrew of his titles is “not a matter for the Government” and that their stance is supportive of the actions taken by the Royal Family. However, this position has drawn criticism, with some MPs arguing there is “no justification” for the government not to act if parliamentary intervention is required.
Public sentiment appears to lean heavily towards further sanctions. A YouGov survey revealed that 67% of Britons would support stripping Prince Andrew of his remaining royal titles, with only 13% opposing the idea. This significant public backing highlights a widespread desire for Prince Andrew to face more severe consequences.
Ongoing Questions: Residence and Funding
Amidst these developments, questions persist about Prince Andrew’s financial means and his continued residence at the Royal Lodge in Windsor. Despite reports of King Charles III reducing his financial support, Prince Andrew is believed to have maintained his lifestyle through private investments and international business connections developed prior to his controversies. Some reports have even suggested that King Charles himself may have provided funds for his brother’s upkeep. The occupancy of Royal Lodge is further protected by a long-term lease agreement with the Crown Estate until 2078.
The Future of the Monarchy
The persistent scandal surrounding Prince Andrew continues to cast a shadow over the monarchy. His relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, the allegations from Virginia Giuffre, and the ongoing debate over his titles present a complex challenge for the Royal Family, particularly for the future reign of Prince William. The situation underscores the delicate balance the monarchy must strike between tradition, public accountability, and maintaining its reputation in the modern era.
The Metropolitan Police in London have also confirmed they are “actively looking into” a newspaper report alleging Prince Andrew asked a bodyguard to “dig up dirt” on Virginia Giuffre in 2011. This latest development adds another layer to the scrutiny faced by the Duke of York as this news continues to unfold.
