Prince Andrew has voluntarily given up his royal titles, including Duke of York, following discussions with King Charles, amid ongoing scandals linked to Jeffrey Epstein. His ex-wife Sarah Ferguson will also no longer use her title, while their daughters retain theirs.
In a statement released on October 17, 2025, Prince Andrew announced that he would no longer use his titles, citing that the persistent accusations against him distract from the work of the royal family. He emphasized that this decision was made in discussion with the King and other family members, including Prince William, and he continues to deny all allegations vigorously. The move is framed as a duty to family and country, building on his earlier step back from public life in 2020.
The titles being relinquished include the Duke of York, Earl of Inverness, and Baron of Killyleagh, as well as membership in the Order of the Garter, Britain’s oldest order of chivalry. Andrew will remain a prince by birthright, as the son of the late Queen Elizabeth II, but he is giving up honors conferred upon him later in life, such as the dukedom awarded at his marriage in 1986. This step is historically significant, as the last time a senior royal lost a dukedom was in 1919, during World War I.
Sarah Ferguson, Andrew’s former wife, will no longer be known as the Duchess of York, aligning with Andrew’s withdrawal from royal duties. However, their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will continue to hold their titles, as they are not directly implicated in the scandals. Ferguson has expressed support for Andrew, indicating a united front despite their divorce, and she will now use her name professionally without the duchess title.
This announcement comes amid renewed scrutiny fueled by the upcoming posthumous memoir of Virginia Giuffre, who accused Andrew of sexual assault and settled a lawsuit with him in 2022 without admission of liability. Giuffre’s family has described the title renunciation as vindication for survivors of Epstein’s crimes, though they emphasize that justice remains incomplete. Her brother, Sky Roberts, called it a “joyous moment” but noted the bittersweet nature, as Giuffre died by suicide earlier in 2025.
Relatives of Giuffre and other Epstein accusers have welcomed the decision as a step toward accountability, but they urge further action, including the removal of Andrew’s princely title, which would require an act of Parliament. Haley Robson, another Epstein accuser, described the development as delivering “a little bit of accountability” and highlighted the ongoing fight for justice, with only a fraction of Epstein-related documents released to the public.
Royal commentators and historians note that Andrew likely faced immense pressure from King Charles and Prince William to make this decision, effectively being pushed to fall on his sword to protect the monarchy’s image. The palace views it as a relief, as Andrew’s ties to Epstein and other scandals, including associations with an alleged Chinese spy, have persistently overshadowed royal affairs. This marks the most significant public humiliation for Andrew in a series of setbacks.
The decision underscores the royal family’s challenges in balancing personal conduct with public duty, particularly as the monarchy modernizes. It may signal a broader effort to insulate the institution from controversies, with implications for how future scandals are handled. As more Epstein-related information emerges, including Giuffre’s memoir and potential document releases, the fallout is expected to continue, keeping the spotlight on accountability and reform within elite circles.