Prince Andrew has formally renounced his “Duke of York” title and all associated royal decorations, marking a definitive step by the British monarchy to distance itself further from the scandals that have plagued him.
Buckingham Palace announced the immediate effect of this decision on October 17, 2025, following discussions with King Charles III and other senior royals.
Prince Andrew stated that a shared view emerged from these talks: the ongoing allegations against him were creating a “distraction” from the duties of the King and the Royal Family.
The move comes amid intense scrutiny over his long-standing association with the late U.S. businessman Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted of sex trafficking. Allegations of links to Yang Tengbo, a Chinese national accused of being a spy who conducted business on the Prince’s behalf in the UK, also contributed to the pressure.
This latest development follows Prince Andrew’s withdrawal from public duties in 2019. That decision came after a heavily criticized television interview regarding his relationship with Epstein, which led to him being stripped of military titles and patronages of various charities.
Sources close to the royal family indicate Prince Andrew will no longer be invited to royal Christmas celebrations.
Despite these changes, he will retain his title as a Prince, as he is the son of Queen Elizabeth II. He will also continue to reside at Royal Lodge in Windsor under a long-term lease agreement.
His former wife, Sarah Ferguson, will revert to using her name, Sarah Ferguson. Their two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, are unaffected by these measures.