Prince Andrew served as a helicopter pilot in the 1982 Falklands War. Photo: Getty Images
Prince Andrew has announced he will give up the title of Duke of York, one of the most prestigious titles in the British monarchy, due to the scandal surrounding his relationship with child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In a statement, Prince Andrew has said that due to the continuous allegations, his attention is being distracted from the work related to the royal family and the King of Britain. However, if King agrees then he will come back again.
In such a situation, the question arises that after renouncing the title of king, will he cease to be a prince? If someone else becomes the next Duke of York, who will it be?
Who is Prince Andrew?
65-year-old Prince Andrew is the third child of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. He is currently eighth in line of succession to the British throne. He is the younger brother of King Charles III and Royal Princess Anne. He is married to Sarah Ferguson, after which she became the Duchess of York, but after the divorce, Sarah Ferguson had to give up this title. Prince Andrew and Sarah have two daughters. Andrew has spent 22 years in the Royal Navy. He served as a helicopter pilot during the Falklands War of 1982. He retired from active service in 2001 with the rank of Commander. Later, in the year 2010, he received honorary promotion to the post of Rear Admiral and in the year 2015, he received honorary promotion to the post of Vice Admiral.
Apart from serving in the Navy, Andrew has played the role of diplomat. The UK government had appointed him as Special Representative for International Trade and Investment. Between 2011 and 2019, he served as a member of the royal family and participated in various activities on behalf of the king.
Prince Andrew is the third child of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Photo: Getty Images
What are the allegations against Prince?
After this, after being named in the scandal related to Jeffrey Epstein, he separated himself from public life. He became embroiled in controversies after his name appeared in the civil case of sexual abuse filed in America. In the papers presented in the court, a girl named Virginia Giuffre has claimed that she is a victim of sex trafficking. She alleges that Jeffrey Epstein has exploited her since the age of 16. It is also alleged that Jeffrey used to take her out to many influential people including the Prince.
Prince Andrew accused of physical abuse thrice
Virginia Giuffre claims Prince Andrew sexually abused her three times when she was a minor. She has also written that Prince believes that having sex with her is his birth right. However, Prince Andrew has been denying these allegations for years. He has even insisted that he has never even met this girl. However, in 2011, the picture of both of them standing together was made public. On 15 February 2022, it was revealed that Andrew and Giuffre had reached an out-of-court settlement of 12 million euros.
Prince Andrew has confirmed that he will not use any of his titles or honours. Photo: Getty Images
What titles did the Prince leave?
Now in a statement issued by the British royal family, Buckingham Palace, it has been said that Prince Andrew has confirmed that he will not use any of his titles or honors. This means that he has given up all his official titles and honours. These include the titles of The Duke of York, The Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh as well as the knighthood of Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order. Not only this, now he will not even write KG after his name, due to which he will not publicly and publicly display himself as Duke of York. It has also been confirmed that he will not participate in the wedding and family functions during Christmas. Apart from this, his titles related to British Military will also be abolished.
Now he will not be able to participate in the Annual Garter Day Service to be held at Windsor Castle. However, despite the public ban, the Prince was taking part in some programs privately. Now as a member of the royal family, he will not be a part of this either.
So will the title of Prince also be taken away?
No, this title of Prince Andrew will remain intact. He received the title of Prince by birth as the son of Queen Elizabeth II. This title can be abolished only when the current ruler of Britain issues a formal letter for this. Till now King Charles has not issued any such order. At the same time, this entire process will not have any impact on Prince Andrew’s daughters. Both will assume their royal titles.
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