Prince Andrew Relinquishes Royal Titles Amid New Epstein Scandal Evidence and Public Pressure
TL;DR: Prince Andrew gave up his Duke of York title in October 2025 after leaked emails showed he stayed in contact with Jeffrey Epstein longer than claimed, while polls show over half of Britons want Parliament to strip his remaining royal titles.
What Happened
Prince Andrew relinquished his Duke of York, Earl of Inverness, and Baron Killyleagh titles on October 17, 2025, following talks with King Charles III, but technically remains a prince.
Newly leaked emails from 2011 show Andrew told Epstein "we are in this together" and maintained contact after publicly claiming he cut ties in 2010.
Virginia Giuffre's posthumous memoir, released in October 2025, details allegations that Andrew sexually abused her three times when she was 17 (in London, New York, and the US Virgin Islands) after being trafficked by Epstein.
Andrew settled a civil lawsuit with Giuffre in February 2022 for an estimated $10-16 million without admitting liability, and no criminal charges have been filed against him.
Public and Political Response
A recent Ipsos poll from October 23, 2025, shows 50% of Britons believe Parliament should officially strip Andrew's remaining royal titles, while 82% have an unfavorable view of him.
Another poll indicates 63% strongly support formal removal of his titles, with the Scottish National Party calling for immediate legislation.
London's Metropolitan Police are reportedly investigating Andrew's alleged attempts in 2011 to obtain information about Giuffre through police officers.
Background Context
Andrew's friendship with Epstein began in the 1990s through Ghislaine Maxwell, and he was photographed with Epstein in 2010 after Epstein's conviction for procuring a minor for prostitution.
His disastrous 2019 BBC Newsnight interview backfired when he claimed he couldn't sweat due to a medical condition and said he was at "Pizza Express" on the night of an alleged encounter, showing little empathy for Epstein's victims.
The scandal has damaged the monarchy's reputation, with King Charles III and Prince William reportedly focused on reforming the royal family's public image.
