Prince Andrew Gives Up Duke Of York Title: Giuffres Family Rejoice, Epstein Scandal, Next 'Duke'

Prince Andrew is no longer the Duke of York. Yes! You read it right; he has finally made this announcement on October 17, 2025. The writings were on the walls due to the surge in the buzz around the Epstein scandal, which continues to grow. On Friday, Buckingham Palace released an official statement stating that Prince Andrew will no longer use the royal titles, including the 'Duke of York'.

Prince Andrew gives up his royal titles and honours, including 'Duke of York', after discussion with King Charles and the Royal Family

Soon, Prince Andrew released an official statement in which he talked about his decision in detail and revealed that he had made this decision after discussing it with King Charles. He further added that after consulting with His Majesty and the members of the royal family, they have concluded that the continued accusations about him distract from the work of King Charles and the Royal Family. As a result, Prince Andrew has decided not to use the titles and honours. He said in his statement:

"In discussion with The King, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded that the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family. 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."

Prince Andrew also clearly stated that he has always put his duty, family, and country first, hinting that it was his own decision and no one pressured him to make such a big decision. However, he continues to deny the accusations in the Epstein scandal vigorously. He said in the statement:

"I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first. As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me."

Prince Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, are no longer the Duke and Duchess of York: What are the privileges he lost after giving up on his royal titles?

Prince Andrew will no longer use the titles, Duke of York, Earl of Inverness, and Baron Killyleagh. He has also relinquished the prestigious honours, Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO) and Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. He also lost his Royal Highness (HRH) title and has been stripped of most of his honours.

Losing all these titles and honours means Prince Andrew will no longer be associated with any royal designation, will not take part in any public engagements or royal duties. His attendance at the royal Christmas gatherings and national ceremonies will either be entirely private or limited. Not only this, but Prince Andrew's ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, also lost the title of 'Duchess of York.'

Jeffrey Epstein Scandal: Who is Virginia Giuffre? Meet the lady who accused Prince Andrew of sexual assault

Virginia Louise Giuffre was an American-Australian advocate, who raised her voice against child sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. She also claimed that when she was just 17, Epstein and Maxwell trafficked her to Prince Andrew, who allegedly sexually assaulted her three times. After years of silence, she filed a civil lawsuit in 2021 against Prince Andrew and the matter was settled out of court in February 2022. In March 2025, she met with an accident and went into renal failure. On April 25, 2025, she committed suicide; however, his father later claimed that "somebody got to her".

After her death, Virginia Giuffre's family released her memoir, Nobody's Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice, which comes out on October 21, 2025, which she wrote while she was alive. However, some pieces of it were extracted and published by The Guardian on October 15, which brought Prince Andrew into the spotlight, and people started criticising him, King Charles, and the Royal Family. On October 17, Prince Andrew dropped all the royal titles, and it brought immense joy and satisfaction to Giuffre's family. Here's what the family said in their statement:

"We, the family of Virginia Roberts Giuffre, believe that Prince Andrew's decision to give up his titles is vindication for our sister and survivors everywhere. We believe it is appropriate for King Charles to remove the title of Prince."

Who will become the next 'Duke of York' after Prince Andrew? King Charles' elder son, Prince Harry's second son, Prince Louis, is likely to inherit the title

The 'Duke of York' title is set to revert to the crown after Prince Andrew's demise because he doesn't have a legitimate male child to inherit it. He has two daughters from his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. However, if Parliament officially removes Andrew's title, King Charles will be free to give it to anyone. As per the traditional rules, it goes to the second son of the reigning monarch. King Charles' second son, Prince Harry, stepped away from his royal duties in 2020, which means his elder brother, Prince William's (first in line to the throne) seven-year-old second son, Prince Louis, is likely to inherit the title left by Prince Andrew.

What are your thoughts on Prince Andrew's decision? Do you think justice has been served to Virginia Giuffre? Let us know.

Also Read: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip's Love Story: Inside The Longest Union In British Royal Record

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