Acknowledging the Royal Burden Amid Scandal
Firm Denial of Allegations
Multiple British media outlets reported on October 17 (local time) that Prince Andrew (65), the younger brother of King Charles III of the United Kingdom, has decided to relinquish all royal titles and honorary distinctions, including the title of Duke of York. The decision was made based on the judgment that ongoing controversies surrounding sexual misconduct allegations have become a burden on the royal family's official activities.
In a statement, Prince Andrew announced his intention to give up his titles, saying, "I have concluded that the persistent allegations against me are a hindrance to the King and the entire royal family." He also strongly denied all charges brought against him.
Prince Andrew is the second son of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. He has been at the center of controversy due to his association with the late billionaire sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In particular, Virginia Giuffre, a former employee hired by Epstein, filed a civil lawsuit claiming that Prince Andrew had forced her into sexual relations when she was 17 years old. The case was settled out of court in 2022, but Prince Andrew did not admit to any wrongdoing.
Prince Andrew is leaving after Easter morning service at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, UK, on April 20, 2025, and looking back. Photo by AP Yonhap News
Recently, attention has turned to a memoir left by Giuffre, which is set to be published posthumously and reportedly contains claims that Prince Andrew considered sexual advances toward her to be natural. The British daily The Guardian cited parts of this memoir in its coverage of the issue.
Furthermore, despite previously claiming to have severed ties with Epstein, evidence has emerged that Prince Andrew continued to communicate with him via email and other means, further fueling the controversy. Last year, his private contact with a Chinese businessperson was made public, escalating the issue to a matter of national security.
With this decision, Prince Andrew will officially surrender all royal titles, including Duke of York, Earl of Inverness, and Royal Knight of the Order of the Garter. However, he will retain the title of "Prince," which was granted at birth, as well as his place in the line of succession (eighth). He remains in the line of succession after Prince William, William's three children, Prince Harry, and Harry's two children.
Prince Andrew has withdrawn from all royal duties since 2019, and in 2022, his military titles and royal patronages were also revoked. This announcement to relinquish his titles is seen as a follow-up measure in response to the ongoing allegations of misconduct.
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