On October 17, 2025, Prince Andrew announced he will no longer use his Duke of York title or associated honors, effective immediately, following ongoing scrutiny over his links to the Epstein scandals.
The decision, made in consultation with King Charles and his family, including the Prince of Wales, also means Sarah Ferguson will cease using the Duchess of York title. Andrew will not join the Royal Family for Christmas but retains his princely title as a birthright.
In a statement, Andrew said the move addresses distractions caused by accusations he continues to deny, reaffirming his withdrawal from public life five years ago. He will also surrender his knighthood and Garter role. The announcement comes ahead of a memoir by Virginia Giuffre, to whom Andrew paid millions to settle a civil sexual assault case. King Charles supports the decision, which aligns with efforts to manage the controversy while maintaining focus on royal duties.
