London: Prince Andrew, King Charles’ younger brother, announced on Friday that he has agreed to relinquish his royal titles, including the Duke of York, in light of ongoing allegations regarding his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
According to Philippines News Agency, a statement released by Buckingham Palace revealed that Andrew had consulted with King Charles III and his immediate and extended family before deciding that the accusations against him were detracting from the royal family’s work. “I will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me,” the statement read. Despite this decision, Andrew will retain his title as a prince, a title he has held since birth, and emphasized his denial of the accusations against him.
The announcement also affects Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah, Duchess of York, who will cease using her title. However, their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will retain theirs. This decision follows not only the Epstein allegations but also new information regarding Andrew’s relationship with a prominent figure in a China spying case.
Earlier this week, The Guardian published excerpts from a posthumous memoir by Virginia Giuffre, Andrew’s accuser who died by suicide in April at the age of 41. Giuffre’s memoir detailed her meetings with Andrew, claiming he believed that having sex with her was his birthright. Andrew has consistently denied these allegations and settled a civil case with Giuffre for approximately 12 million pounds (USD16.1 million) without admitting liability.
Additionally, reports have surfaced about meetings Andrew held in 2018 and 2019 with Cai Qi, a member of China’s Politburo. Cai is suspected of receiving sensitive information from British nationals accused of spying for Beijing, as reported by The Guardian. Furthermore, emails published by the Mail on Sunday suggest contact between Andrew and Epstein occurred later than Andrew had claimed in a Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis.
Prince Andrew has previously been stripped of his military titles, charity affiliations, and the use of his “His Royal Highness” honorific.