Just days before Virginia Giuffre’s explosive memoir hits shelves, Prince Andrew has made a bombshell move. The Duke of York has announced he will no longer use his royal titles and honours.

Giuffre, Andrew’s late alleged victim, settled a civil sexual assault case with him for millions, keeping the scandal in the headlines. Now, Andrew says the ongoing accusations are a distraction for King Charles and the royal family.

Andrew to Ditch Titles but Keep Duke of York

In a Buckingham Palace statement, Andrew revealed he spoke with King Charles and family before deciding to step back further from royal duties. Though he will remain a prince by birthright — as the son of the late Queen Elizabeth II — he will stop using his princely title publicly.

“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,” Andrew said.

He added: “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. As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me.”

Knighthood and Garter Role Also Surrendered

• Andrew will give up his knighthood as a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO).
• He will also relinquish his position as a Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter.

However, his dukedom can only be stripped by an Act of Parliament, meaning he remains the Duke of York in name but cannot use the title officially.

This dramatic retreat marks a new low for Andrew as he shuns the royal spotlight amid ongoing legal and public battles.