Prince Andrew has formally renounced his royal title and honors. This decision comes amidst continued scrutiny regarding his past association with convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew issued a statement on Friday, October 17, explaining his latest move. "After conversations with the King and my family," Andrew stated, "we have come to the conclusion that the constant accusations against me are distracting from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family."
He declared, "I have decided, as always, to put my duty to my family and my country first. I stand by my decision from five years ago to step away from public life."
Andrew further added, "With His Majesty’s consent, we believe I must now go a step further. I will therefore cease to use my title and the honors conferred upon me. As I have said before, I emphatically deny the accusations against me."
This announcement followed a report from the British newspaper The Times. The report suggested that King Charles III was "considering all options" concerning Andrew’s titles.
A source told The Times that the situation had reached a "critical point" between the King and his brother.
Andrew’s connection to Epstein first drew significant public attention in 2019. Virginia Giuffre accused Andrew of sexual assault.
Giuffre claimed they met at an Epstein property for a sexual encounter when she was 17. She alleged that Ghislaine Maxwell, an Epstein associate, arranged the meeting. Andrew has consistently and vehemently denied any connection with Giuffre.
Following Giuffre’s initial accusations, Andrew appeared on BBC’s Newsnight program. In an interview with journalist Emily Maitlis, he stated he did not recall ever meeting Giuffre.
Andrew then announced his withdrawal from public duties in November 2019. He stated at the time that his association with Jeffrey Epstein had become a "major disruption" to his family’s work.
Giuffre filed a lawsuit against Andrew for sexual abuse in 2021. The parties later reached an out-of-court settlement for an undisclosed amount.
Giuffre died by suicide in April of this year at age 41.
Epstein died at 66 in New York’s Metropolitan Correctional Center while awaiting trial on federal child sex trafficking charges. Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted of child sex trafficking in 2021 and is currently incarcerated at the Federal Prison Camp in Bryan, Texas.
Andrew’s association with Epstein resurfaced earlier this year when emails exchanged between the two in 2011 were made public. Andrew had previously asserted he ceased all contact with Epstein in December 2010.
Giuffre’s posthumous memoir, Nobody’s Girl, which details her alleged encounter with Andrew, is scheduled for release on Tuesday, October 21.