Endless Controversies at Buckingham Palace: Prince Andrew Steps Down from Royal Titles

Prince Andrew, brother of the King of England, announced he would step down from all his royal titles and honors following sustained public pressure and the resurgence of controversies linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case, the American financier accused of sexual abuse.

According to Buckingham Palace, in a statement issued Friday evening, October 17, 2025, Prince Andrew’s decision to relinquish his royal titles and responsibilities was made in coordination with King Charles III. The statement explained that “the continuing controversies surrounding Prince Andrew distract from the King’s duties and the activities of the royal family,” prompting his decision to give up his titles.

As a result of this decision, Andrew will no longer use the title “Duke of York” or other honorary distinctions, and his membership in one of the oldest and most prestigious British royal orders, the Order of the Garter, will be terminated. Palace sources indicated that the move aims to prevent further damage to the monarchy’s reputation amid public scrutiny and the widespread reporting of past ethical scandals.

Following the announcement, UK media reported that the King supported his brother’s decision, regarding it as a responsible measure to preserve the monarchy’s standing. The Guardian noted that the decision came after portions of memoirs from Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s victims, were released, bringing Andrew back into the spotlight of ethical scandals.

The Washington Post reported that Andrew’s resignation from royal titles marks the final stage of a process that began in 2019 after his controversial BBC interview, in which he sought to clear himself of accusations related to Epstein. The interview drew significant public and media criticism.

Since 2019, Andrew has held no official role in royal duties and has only appeared at a few family events. With the latest decision, he is effectively removed from all public responsibilities, once again placing him at the center of one of the most significant ethical scandals in the British royal family.

Previously, King Charles III had cut Andrew’s allowance from the royal treasury amid public pressure regarding his ethical controversies. UK media reported that the King ordered the termination of Andrew’s £1 million allowance, the last financial link between him and the royal family.

After the BBC interview in 2019, Andrew faced intense criticism for denying sexual relations with a minor and expressing no regret for his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. Simultaneously, accusers provided testimony that intensified Andrew’s legal challenges. Virginia Giuffre, who identified herself as Epstein’s sexual victim, claimed in an interview that she had been sexually abused by Andrew while underage.

These revelations led to Andrew stepping back from royal duties on November 19, 2019. In his statement, he explained that his previous friendship with Epstein had become a distraction for his family and the charitable organizations he supported. Consequently, he requested to step down from public duties, and the then-Queen approved.

However, the matter did not end with his resignation; his military titles were revoked, and he was barred from attending official royal events. His only remaining links to the monarchy were a £1 million allowance and a 30-bedroom villa, both of which have now been terminated by the King, forcing Andrew to relocate to a smaller residence.

It is also reported that King Charles III has ceased covering the high costs of Andrew’s personal security. A source close to the British monarchy told media outlets that Andrew will no longer be a financial burden on the King.