By M10News Royal Desk | Breaking News Report|17 October 2025
Prince Andrew has formally announced that he will give up his royal titles, including the Duke of York, following ongoing scrutiny surrounding his personal controversies and associations.
The 65-year-old royal confirmed that while he will no longer hold his traditional titles, he will remain Prince Andrew, having been born a son of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Decision Made After Talks With the King
In a statement released on Friday, the prince said the move followed conversations with King Charles III 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.
He added that he had decided to prioritise duty to his family and country above his own titles and honours.
“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 conferred upon me,” he continued, adding that he “vigorously denies the accusations” against him.
King Charles Supports the Decision
Royal sources told M10News that King Charles is “glad of the outcome” and believes it was a necessary step to maintain focus on the monarchy’s duties.
It is understood that the decision was taken in close consultation with the King and senior palace aides, who have been managing ongoing reputational challenges for the royal household.
Titles Removed, But Prince Name Remains
Under the arrangement, Andrew’s former wife, Sarah Ferguson, will also no longer use her courtesy title, “The Duchess of York.”
However, Prince Andrew will continue to live at the Royal Lodge on the Windsor Estate, and his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will retain their current royal status.
Ongoing Pressure Over Epstein Connection
The move comes amid renewed public debate over Prince Andrew’s friendship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein and reports linking him to an alleged Chinese spy.
The continued coverage of these associations has been described by palace sources as “an unwelcome distraction” from the royal family’s wider duties and charitable commitments.
Analysts Say Move Was Inevitable
Royal analysts told M10News that while the decision is extraordinary, it reflects the need for the monarchy to uphold credibility and avoid controversy.
“Prince Andrew’s presence has been a long-running issue,” said one royal commentator. “By relinquishing his title, the King is signalling a clean break and reaffirming the royal family’s focus on duty and service.”
Public Reaction Mixed
Reaction from the public has been mixed. Some commentators said the move was overdue, while others questioned whether it would truly end scrutiny of the Duke’s past.
Online, social media users have been debating whether the decision goes far enough, with many calling for more transparency about Andrew’s future role and funding.
Future Role Unclear
While Prince Andrew has already withdrawn from public life since 2019, it remains unclear whether he will continue to represent the royal family privately or focus on personal matters away from public view.
Royal aides emphasised that the latest decision was “voluntary” but made with the “full support” of the King.
Final Step in a Long Decline
The removal of his title marks the final stage in a gradual withdrawal from public duties that began after his BBC Newsnight interview in 2019, which was widely criticised for his responses to questions about his friendship with Epstein.
At that time, he was stripped of military affiliations and royal patronages.
Royal Family Seeking Stability
Palace insiders told M10News that the monarchy is determined to restore public trust and maintain stability after years of media attention on personal controversies.
“This move closes a difficult chapter for the royal household,” a source said. “It allows the family to refocus on its constitutional role and service to the public.”
Effective Immediately
The palace confirmed that the decision takes effect immediately, and official communications will no longer refer to him as the Duke of York.
The King’s office said no further comment would be made, describing it as a “private family matter with public implications.”
Developing Story
This is a developing story. More details will be published by M10News as they emerge.
M10News Royal Desk | Contact: royal@m10news.com
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