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Prince Andrew has returned all of his royal titles and honors as he braces himself to face fresh allegations resulting from his association with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The sensational development in the long-running saga comes just days before the release of a new memoir by Andrew’s late alleged victim Virginia Giuffre. Prince Andrew paid Giuffre millions of dollars to settle a civil lawsuit over claims he had sexually assaulted her while she was in the employ of Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew is said to have made the decision in consultation with the King and Prince of Wales.
The King is “glad” at the decision, it’s claimed.
In a statement released on Friday night, Prince Andrew said: “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.
“I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first. I stand by my decision five years ago to stand back from public life.
“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.”
Andrew will no longer use his royal titles; although he will retain them.
Emails emerged this week showing that Prince Andrew remained in contact with Epstein for much longer than he previously admitted.
As Britain’s Independent reports, “Andrew’s banishment completes a process that began in November 2019, when he gave up all of his public duties and charity roles.
“That was triggered by a disastrous interview Andrew gave to the BBC as he sought to counter media reports about his friendship with Epstein and deny allegations that he had sex with a 17-year-old girl, Virginia Giuffre, who was trafficked by Epstein in 2001. The prince was widely criticized for failing to show empathy for Epstein’s victims and for offering unbelievable explanations for his friendship with the disgraced financier.
“The interview also sowed the seeds of this week’s upheaval, when Andrew told the BBC that he had cut off contact with Epstein in December 2010.
“British newspapers on Sunday revealed that Andrew wrote an email to Epstein on Feb. 28, 2011. Andrew wrote the note after renewed reporting on the Epstein scandal, telling him they were ‘ this together’ and would ‘have to rise above it.’”
King Charles, 76, who is currently undergoing treatment for cancer, is looking to ensure the long-term survival of the British monarchy, which will pass to his son, William, the Prince of Wales.
In a recent interview, William set out his vision for the monarchy. He said the institution needs to change to ensure it is a force for good.
