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Prince Andrew, brother of Britain’s King Charles III, announced that he will no longer use the titles and honors granted to him, citing that ongoing allegations against him have cast a shadow over the Royal Family’s work.
In a written statement, Prince Andrew said, “After discussions with His Majesty and the wider family, we concluded that the allegations against me hurt His Majesty and the Royal Family’s activities.”
Emphasizing his responsibility to both his family and country, Prince Andrew reaffirmed his decision, made five years ago, to step back from public life.
“With His Majesty’s approval, we believe it is time to take one further step. Therefore, I will not use the titles and honors bestowed upon me. However, I continue to strongly deny the allegations against me.”
While stepping back from official titles and honors, Prince Andrew will retain the courtesy title of “Prince.”
The decision comes amid renewed scrutiny of Prince Andrew’s connections to Jeffrey Epstein and reports linking him to a Chinese spy.
Epstein, the billionaire accused of operating a sex trafficking ring targeting underage girls, drew public attention due to his long-standing association with the Prince.
Epstein’s former employee, Juan Alessi, claimed that Prince Andrew visited Epstein’s Florida estate frequently, sometimes staying for weeks, and noted that Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, also visited occasionally.
Prince Andrew has faced multiple sexual abuse and misconduct allegations from Epstein’s victims, including Virginia Giuffre.
Giuffre filed a lawsuit in New York in 2021, alleging that the Prince sexually assaulted her in London and New York when she was 17.
Giuffre, one of the main victims in the Epstein case, passed away on April 25, 2025, at the age of 41.
Prince Andrew’s decision to relinquish his titles is seen as an effort to protect the Royal Family’s image. Buckingham Palace has not issued an official statement, but British media reports that the decision was made with King Charles III’s approval.
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