A big change has appeared on the royal family’s official website following Prince Andrew’s announcement regarding his title.
The prince, 65, has been at the centre of much scandal over the last few years. He has faced scrutiny over his association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He has also been accused of sexual assault, allegations he has always vehemently denied. Virginia Giuffre alleged she was made to have sex with the prince in the early 2000s after being trafficked by Epstein.
Last week, Prince Andrew faced headlines due to Ms Giuffre’s upcoming posthumous memoir, which she wrote before her tragic death. She took her own life in April.
On Friday (October 17), Andrew officially announced that he will stop using his royal dukedom and gave up his remaining honours. Now, just days later, it seems the wheels are already very much in motion.
Prince Andrew to stop using his royal title
In a statement released by Buckingham Palace on Friday evening, Prince Andrew said: “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. I stand by my decision five years ago to stand back from public life,” he went on.
I will no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me.
He then added: “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. As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me.”
This means that Prince Andrew will no longer use the title of Duke of York, which he has held since his wedding day in 1986.
He has also given up his Order of the Garter membership, which he has had since 2006. However, he remains a prince as he was born with this title as the second son of Queen Elizabeth II.
Royal family website updated
And it seems there’s been no hanging about. The official royal family website, royal.uk, has had an update.
All previous references to the “Duke of York” seem to have been rapidly removed. Most notably, a section introducing different members of the royal family now sees Andrew listed as “Prince Andrew” rather than the “Duke of York”.
His header now reads: “On 13 January 2022, Buckingham Palace announced that, with Queen Elizabeth II’s approval and agreement, Prince Andrew’s military affiliations and Royal patronages would be returned to Her late Majesty, and The Prince would not return to public duties. Prior to stepping back from public life, Prince Andrew undertook a wide range of public work, with a strong economic and business focus.”
Recent reports claimed that Prince Andrew’s decision to give up his titles was triggered by a “threat” from his brother, King Charles.
A source claimed the king had threatened to have his brother officially stripped of his royal title if he refused to give it up.
Read more: ‘Ruthless’ Prince William to ‘ban’ uncle Prince Andrew from his coronation amid scandal
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