Andrew Steps Back Further: Duke of York Title Relinquished Amid Epstein Fallout

Prince Andrew is once again in the spotlight due to his ties with Jeffrey Epstein, prompting questions about his current standing within the royal family.

In 2019, the late Virginia Giuffre brought accusations of sexual assault against Andrew. At that time, she alleged a sexual encounter with the prince when she was 17 in 2001, occurring at one of Epstein’s properties. Epstein’s associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, purportedly arranged the meeting.

Andrew has consistently denied Giuffre’s claims against him. He even appeared on BBC’s Newsnight for an interview in 2019, asserting that he had “no recollection of ever meeting this lady,” despite the existence of a photograph showing him with Giuffre and Maxwell. (Giuffre, who passed away by suicide at age 41 in April 2025, filed a lawsuit against Andrew for sexual abuse in 2021, which was resolved with an undisclosed settlement.)

Following the interview, Andrew announced his intention to “step back from public duties” within the royal family.

Prince Andrew’s Journey Leading to the Loss of His Royal Title

“It has become evident to me over recent days that the circumstances surrounding my previous association with Jeffrey Epstein have become a significant disruption to my family’s work and the valuable efforts underway in the numerous organizations and charities I am proud to support,” he stated in November 2019.

Nearly six years later, in October 2025, Andrew declared he would relinquish his royal title.

Continue reading to understand Prince Andrew’s current position with the royal family:

Is Prince Andrew a Working Member of the Royal Family?

No, Andrew officially ceased his public responsibilities after his 2019 scandal involving Epstein became public.

The former duke acknowledged his “poorly judged association” with Epstein in a statement issued at that time. (Epstein died by suicide at age 66 in New York’s Metropolitan Correctional Center in August 2019, one month after his arrest on federal charges of sex trafficking minors.)

“His suicide has left many unresolved questions, especially for his victims, and I deeply empathize with everyone who has been affected and seeks some form of closure,” Andrew’s statement read. “I can only hope that, in time, they will be able to rebuild their lives. Of course, I am prepared to assist any appropriate law enforcement agency with their investigations, if required.”

Did Prince Andrew Renounce His Title?

Yes, as of October 2025, he will no longer hold the title of Duke of York.

“In conversations with The King, and my immediate and extended family, we have concluded that the persistent accusations against me detract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family,” Andrew conveyed in a statement to Us Weekly at that time. “I have decided, as I always have, to prioritize my duty to my family and country. I uphold my decision from five years ago to withdraw from public life.”

He added, “With His Majesty’s consent, we believe I must now take a further step. I will therefore no longer use my title or the honors that have been bestowed upon me. As I have stated before, I vigorously deny the accusations against me.”

What is Prince Andrew’s Relationship with King Charles III?

Charles has never publicly commented on his brother’s scandal concerning Epstein.

Several reports in 2025 indicated a growing strain between the king and his brother.

The U.K.’s The Times reported, prior to Andrew’s decision to give up his title, that Charles was reaching “a breaking point” with his sibling, particularly after emails exchanged between the former Duke of York and Epstein from 2011 resurfaced earlier that month. The report suggested that Charles was “considering all available options.”

Prince Andrew Over the Years: Royal Life, Fatherhood, Controversies, and More

It was also rumored that Charles did not invite Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, to the royal family’s 2025 Christmas celebration.

What is Prince Andrew’s Relationship with Prince William?

It appears there is also a strained relationship between the Prince of Wales and his uncle.

A widely shared video from Katharine, Duchess of Kent’s funeral in September 2025 captured a rather uncomfortable moment between William and Andrew. The Prince of Wales seemed to offer a polite nod to his uncle before turning away from an ongoing conversation with Andrew.