Buckingham Palace has recently updated its website to reflect Prince Andrew’s decision to relinquish his Duke of York title. His Duke of York honor has been removed from the site, now referring to him solely as Prince Andrew. Despite stepping back from public life, he is still mentioned on the website. Prince Andrew gave up his Duke of York title in the aftermath of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and the release of Virginia Giuffre’s memoir. He will retain his Prince title by birthright.
The titles and honors Prince Andrew will no longer use include The Duke of York, the Earl of Inverness, Baron Killyleagh from his wedding day, his Knighthood as a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO), and his role as a Royal Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. He will also no longer wear the Garter robes he wore at Charles’s coronation. Although he is relinquishing his dukedom, he still technically holds the title, which can only be removed by an Act of Parliament.
Formally stripping Prince Andrew of his title would necessitate an Act of Parliament, but it is considered by some as a symbolic gesture. The Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru are among the MPs advocating for legislative action. In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew announced his decision to give up his Duke of York title and honors to avoid diverting attention from the monarchy and the royal family.
Sarah Ferguson, who separated from Prince Andrew over 30 years ago but continues to support him and share the Royal Lodge mansion, will also lose her Duchess of York title and revert to her maiden name. Prince Andrew expressed his commitment to his family and country by relinquishing his title and honors. He emphasized his decision to step back from public life five years ago. Following his controversial Newsnight interview in 2019, Prince Andrew withdrew from public duties and was relieved of his military patronages by the Queen.