Prince Andrew of the United Kingdom has officially renounced his title as Duke of York, according to a statement issued through Buckingham Palace.
The announcement confirmed that he will also relinquish his membership in the Order of the Garter, the highest order of chivalry in the British monarchy. This means his only remaining title will be Prince, which cannot be removed as it is his birthright as the son of the late Queen.
“After discussions with His Majesty and with the close and extended family, we concluded that the ongoing allegations against me hinder His Majesty’s work and that of the Royal Family. I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and my country first. I stand by the decision I made five years ago to withdraw from public life,” the statement reads.
“With His Majesty’s consent, we believe it is time to take a further step. From now on, I will not use the titles and honors by which I have been referred. As I have said before, I firmly deny the allegations made against me,” he added.
Prince Andrew has once again faced public scrutiny following his name being mentioned in newly released documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, the financier and convicted sex offender. Andrew was listed as a passenger on a flight from New Jersey to Florida in 2000.
His former wife, Sarah, Duchess of York, will also no longer retain her titles, though the titles of their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will remain unaffected.
