Andrew, 65, had previously lost the use of his ‘His Royal Highness’ style and returned all his military affiliations and royal patronages in 2022.
The King’s brother has faced years of scrutiny over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as well as reports of contact with an alleged Chinese spy.
Prince Andrew first stepped back from public life in 2019 following a carcrash BBC Newsnight interview in which he attempted to explain his relationship with Epstein.
Although Andrew insisted he had severed ties with the financier after their meeting in New York in December 2010, subsequent emails appeared to show that he had continued to stay in touch, including one message in which he wrote: ‘Keep in close touch and we’ll play some more soon!’
In a statement released this evening, 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.
‘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.’
The announcement means that Prince Andrew will no longer use the title Duke of York, though he will remain a Prince, as a son of the late Elizabeth II. It should also be noted that he will legally retain the titles.
He will also cease to be use his honour of being a Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter, and so will not attend any future Garter Day celebrations.
Andrew currently holds the following titles and honours:
- Duke of York
- Earl of Inverness
- Baron Killyleagh
- Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (which uses the post-nominals GCVO)
- Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO)
- Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO)
- Royal Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter (KG)
- Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu (from Papua New Guinea)
- Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal
- South Atlantic Medal, with Rosette (for service in the Falklands)
- Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal
- Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
- Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal
- Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal with two bars
- New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal
- Canadian Forces’ Decoration (CD) (with the first clasp)
- Commemorative Medal for the Centennial of Saskatchewan
- Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav (Norway)
- Collar of the Order of the Federation (United Arab Emirates)
- Sash of the Mexican Order of the Aztec Eagle (Mexico)
- Order of Isabella the Catholic (Spain)
It is expected he will be referred to simply as Prince Andrew moving forwards.
His former wife, Sarah Ferguson, will also no longer use the title Duchess of York.
‘This is a positive step for The King and Royal Family to distance themselves further from Prince Andrew and the scandal that he just can’t shake. While there have been no charges brought against him, it is an incredibly serious set of allegations and the more that is revealed suggests that Andrew has not only a poor lack of judgement but potentially a problem with telling the truth…’ said Victoria Howard, royal commentator.
‘This is a demonstration of Charles’ willingness to adapt and make change to protect the institution. It is a move that comes not a second too soon.’
