In a dramatic move that has sent shockwaves through the British monarchy, Prince Andrew has been officially stripped of his military affiliations and royal patronages. The decision, announced by Buckingham Palace, represents one of the most significant royal demotions in modern history.
The Royal Fallout Intensifies
The Duke of York will no longer use his cherished "His Royal Highness" style in any official capacity, effectively ending his decades-long career as a working royal. This unprecedented action comes as Prince Andrew faces a civil sexual assault case in the United States, where Virginia Giuffre alleges the royal assaulted her when she was 17 years old.
Buckingham Palace's Firm Stance
Buckingham Palace released a terse statement confirming that Prince Andrew's military affiliations and royal patronages have been returned to Queen Elizabeth II. The palace made it clear that the Duke would be defending the case "as a private citizen" without any official support from the royal institution.
This development marks a stunning reversal for the Queen's second son, who once enjoyed a prominent position within the Royal Family and maintained numerous high-profile military appointments.
The Legal Battle Behind the Decision
The royal demotion follows Judge Lewis A Kaplan's rejection of Prince Andrew's attempt to dismiss the lawsuit filed by Virginia Giuffre. The American plaintiff claims she was trafficked by the late financier Jeffrey Epstein to have sex with Andrew on three separate occasions when she was underage.
"I hold Prince Andrew responsible for what happened," Giuffre stated in a recent BBC interview. "I am holding him accountable and I hope that other people are going to start holding him accountable too."
What Prince Andrew Loses
- All military affiliations and honorary roles
- Royal patronages across numerous organizations
- Use of "His Royal Highness" in official duties
- Position as a working member of the Royal Family
The 61-year-old prince now faces the daunting prospect of fighting the legal battle without the protective shield of his royal status, while the monarchy itself works to distance itself from the growing scandal.
