Epstein scandal forces Prince Andrew to relinquish royal titles

Tuesday 21 October 2025 - 15:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Epstein scandal forces Prince Andrew to relinquish royal titles

Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, announced on October 17 that he would no longer use his royal titles or honors following prolonged public scrutiny over his involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. In a statement, the prince explained that the decision was reached after discussions with King Charles III and other family members, citing the accusations against him as a distraction to the monarchy’s work.

The relinquishment of his titles, including the prestigious Knight of the Garter and the use of “His Royal Highness,” marks a significant fall from grace for the late Queen Elizabeth II’s second son. This development follows years of mounting allegations, lawsuits, and victim testimonies that have linked Andrew to Epstein’s criminal activities.

Andrew’s connection to Epstein, who was convicted as a child sex offender, became widely known in 2019 during a controversial BBC Newsnight interview. In the interview, Andrew denied the allegations but admitted to maintaining a friendship with Epstein until 2010, years after the financier’s initial conviction. Leaked emails later revealed that the two remained in contact even after Epstein’s legal troubles, intensifying public criticism.

One of Epstein’s most vocal victims, Virginia Giuffre, accused Andrew of sexually abusing her on multiple occasions when she was 17, an allegation the prince has repeatedly denied. Giuffre’s lawsuit against Andrew was settled in 2022 for millions of dollars, though no admission of guilt was made. Tragically, Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025, leaving behind a posthumous memoir detailing her abuse by Epstein and his associates, including Andrew.

The timing of Andrew’s decision coincides with the memoir’s release, further amplifying public outrage. Many critics argue that Andrew’s actions have severely damaged the monarchy’s reputation, with calls for additional consequences such as the removal of his status as a prince or even exile. Despite these controversies, Andrew retains his birthright title of prince and remains a contentious figure in the royal family’s history.

The Epstein scandal continues to implicate high-profile figures worldwide. Recently, a U.S. Congressional committee released incriminating letters between Epstein and figures such as former U.S. President Donald Trump, highlighting the global scale of the financier’s criminal network.