By M10News Royal Correspondent | London
Prince Andrew has formally given up his royal titles, including the Duke of York, in what the family of Virginia Giuffre has called “vindication for survivors everywhere.”
Giuffre Family Calls It a Victory
In a statement shared with M10News, the Giuffre family said the move represents a “powerful step forward” for all those affected by Jeffrey Epstein’s network of abuse.
“This is not just a victory for Virginia, but for every single survivor of the horrific crimes perpetrated by Epstein and his co-conspirators,” the family said.
Andrew to Remain a Prince
While he will no longer hold or use his ducal title, Prince Andrew will remain a prince by birth as the son of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The decision marks the final stage of his withdrawal from public royal duties.
Sarah Ferguson Also Impacted
It is also understood that Sarah Ferguson, his former wife, will stop using her title of The Duchess of York, after consultations with Buckingham Palace.
Both changes take immediate effect, according to royal sources.
Statement from Prince Andrew
In his official statement, Prince Andrew said he had decided after discussions with King Charles and other senior members of the Royal Family.
“In discussion with The King, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family,” he said.
‘Duty to Family and Country’
He added that he wanted to put his “duty to family and country first,” stressing that he “vigorously denies the accusations” against him.
“With His Majesty’s agreement, we feel I must now go a step further. I will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me,” the statement continued.
Pressure Mounting for Months
The decision follows growing pressure in recent months as new evidence emerged about Andrew’s relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
The controversy has persisted since the Duke’s disastrous 2019 BBC interview, widely viewed as damaging to the monarchy’s reputation.
Epstein Connection Resurfaces
This week, an email reportedly sent by Andrew to Epstein in 2010 resurfaced, reading: “We are in this together.”
The message was sent just months after Andrew claimed to have ended contact with the disgraced financier.
Giuffre’s Memoir Fuels Public Interest
Adding to the pressure, the late Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir is set to be published next week.
Giuffre, who died in April, had accused Andrew of sexual assault and sued him in 2021, leading to an out-of-court settlement.
Flight Records Released
On Friday, the U.S. House Oversight Committee released new flight logs from Epstein’s estate showing “Prince Andrew” listed on multiple flights aboard Epstein’s private jet — the so-called Lolita Express.
Records show journeys from Luton to Edinburgh in 2006 and from New York to Florida in 2000, with Ghislaine Maxwell also aboard.
Royal Source: ‘Situation Untenable’
Royal insiders told M10News the move was inevitable. “The situation had become untenable and intolerable, and this week the tipping point was reached,” one source said.
King Charles ‘Glad of Outcome’
According to palace aides, the decision was taken in full consultation with King Charles III, who is said to be “glad of the outcome.”
The King reportedly agreed that the ongoing scandal risked overshadowing the monarchy’s public work.
Immediate Implementation
The changes are now in effect, meaning Prince Andrew will no longer be styled as the Duke of York.
He will, however, continue residing at Royal Lodge on the Windsor Estate.
Beatrice and Eugenie Unaffected
The titles and royal positions of Andrew’s daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, remain unchanged.
They are expected to continue attending official engagements independent of their father’s situation.
Exclusion from Christmas Gathering
For a second consecutive year, Andrew will not be invited to the Royal Family’s traditional Christmas celebrations at Sandringham, palace insiders confirmed to M10News.
Public and Charity Reaction
Public sentiment remains divided. Some see the move as overdue, while others consider it a necessary act of accountability.
Several charities previously linked to the Duke have already distanced themselves or dropped his patronage altogether.
Giuffre Family Demands More
The Giuffre family has urged King Charles to go further by stripping Andrew of his Prince title as well.
“The monarchy must demonstrate zero tolerance for anyone connected to Epstein’s crimes,” their statement said.
A Step Toward Justice
The family added that the development proves “survivors’ voices matter.”
They repeated Giuffre’s words: “He knows what happened, I know what happened, and there’s only one of us telling the truth.”
Broader Implications
Analysts say the move signals King Charles’s determination to distance the monarchy from scandal and strengthen its moral authority.
It is also seen as an attempt to preserve public trust in the institution after years of damaging revelations.
Pressure on Palace Transparency
Campaigners for abuse survivors are calling for the release of all Epstein-related documents involving British nationals.
“This is not just about one man losing his titles,” one campaigner told M10News. “It’s about full accountability.”
A Historic Turning Point
Historians say it is rare for a senior royal to voluntarily surrender hereditary titles, marking a significant moment in modern royal history.
“This underlines how deep the crisis had become,” said royal commentator Emma Grant.
Family’s Continued Silence
Buckingham Palace has not issued any further comment beyond confirming Andrew’s statement.
Insiders suggest the family will “move on quietly” from the issue.
Support for Survivors
In closing, the Giuffre family urged continued support for survivors of sexual abuse and trafficking.
Anyone in the UK feeling distressed can contact Samaritans at 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org.
Editing by M10News Royal Desk | Contact: info@m10news.com
© 2025 M10News. All rights reserved. Unauthorised reproduction is prohibited.
