Pressure is mounting on Buckingham Palace and the UK government to go beyond symbolism and formally remove Prince Andrew’s princely and ducal titles. The calls followed Andrew’s decision to stop using the Duke of York style after new evidence about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein surfaced and ahead of the release of Virginia Roberts Giuffre’s memoir. (AP News)
Critics say the step is not enough because Andrew still legally holds both the dukedom granted by Queen Elizabeth II and the title of prince by birth. Advocates now want either royal action or new legislation to make the change binding in law and to address his residence at Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate. (AP News)
What Changed And What Has Not
Andrew says he will no longer use his Duke of York title and other honours after discussions with King Charles III. He argues that continued accusations are a distraction from the work of the monarch and the wider family. Officials stress that this is a voluntary move. It does not alter the legal fact that he remains a prince and the holder of the dukedom. (ABC)
A senior UK minister called Andrew’s step the right course of action. Yet the government also signalled that any further measures on styles and titles rest with the palace. That stance has frustrated some lawmakers who want Parliament to legislate for removal. (Reuters)
- Andrew will stop using the Duke of York style in public materials and appearances. He says he continues to deny all allegations.
- He still legally retains the dukedom and remains a prince as the son of a monarch.
- The palace has not announced any change to his long lease on Royal Lodge, where he lives with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.
- Ministers say title matters are for the royal family. Some MPs want a law to strip titles from Andrew and others with serious reputational issues. (Sky News)
The timing is sensitive. Emails suggest Andrew stayed in contact with Epstein longer than he previously admitted. The story has reignited public anger in the run-up to the release of Giuffre’s book, which is expected to include new claims about her encounters with Andrew when she was 17. Andrew settled her civil lawsuit in 2022 without admitting liability, while acknowledging her suffering as a trafficking victim. (AP News)
Political And Public Pressure
Opposition figures argue that the monarchy’s reputation cannot be shielded by half measures. Some are pushing for a narrow bill that would allow titles to be removed in defined cases linked to serious misconduct. They frame it as a matter of transparency and standards rather than a broad attack on the crown. Ministers counter that stepping into royal titles risks blurring constitutional lines, and they prefer the family to decide. (AP News)
Public sentiment is hardening. News outlets report that Giuffre’s posthumous memoir, titled Nobody’s Girl, is due for release on 21 October 2025. The publisher lists multiple formats on the same date. Media coverage describes it as her final account and says it could add to the pressure on the palace in the days ahead. (Penguin Books Australia)
There is also scrutiny of Andrew’s Windsor residence. Royal Lodge is held on a long lease from the Crown Estate. Questions persist about how the arrangement is funded and whether it is appropriate for a non-working royal facing sustained controversy to retain such a home. Calls for an eviction have not resulted in any confirmed change. (Sky News)
Meanwhile, the palace calendar adds urgency. King Charles is preparing for a state visit to the Vatican this week, increasing the desire to contain reputational fallout. Palace aides are said to be bracing for new claims once the memoir reaches readers. (AP News)
What He Loses And What He Keeps
Snapshot Of Andrew’s Status
| Area | What changed | What remains |
|---|---|---|
| Use of styles and honours | Will not use Duke of York and other styles in public materials or appearances | Decision is voluntary and symbolic rather than a legal revocation |
| Legal titles | None legally removed so far | Remains a prince by birth and legally holds the dukedom of York |
| Royal duties | No return to public duties since 2019 interview and 2022 settlement | Continues to live outside the working roster of the royal family |
| Residence | No announced change to Royal Lodge lease | Continues living at Royal Lodge with Sarah Ferguson |
| Government stance | Ministers welcome step as appropriate | Government says further title changes are for the palace, not politics |
The Memoir And Why It Matters Now
Penguin lists Nobody’s Girl for release on 21 October in hardback, paperback, ebook and audiobook. The marketing frames the book as Giuffre’s own words and final account. The publication will renew attention on the photograph with Andrew that helped catalyze his fall from public duties and on the broader network around Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. (Penguin Books Australia)
News reporting describes the memoir as posthumous and notes that it includes allegations about Andrew’s conduct and efforts by his team to shape the narrative. The palace has not responded to the new claims. Andrew has always denied wrongdoing. The Metropolitan Police say they are looking into media reports that he sought information to smear Giuffre in 2011. Those checks add legal risk even if no charges follow. (AP News)
What To Watch This Week
- Whether Buckingham Palace clarifies the practical scope of Andrew’s decision, including how it will be applied across websites, military affiliations and invitations.
- Any parliamentary moves to draft a targeted titles bill. Even an early day motion would signal intent and keep pressure on the palace.
- Retail and media reaction to the memoir on release day, including any new documents or testimony that alter the public record.
- Updates from the Metropolitan Police on their review of reports regarding 2011 requests to look into Giuffre’s background. (AP News)
What Happens Next
Scenarios For Titles And Residence
If the palace wants certainty without Parliament, the King could issue new guidance that removes Andrew’s styles from all official platforms and events, while leaving the legal titles dormant. This would lock in the practical effects most people see. It would also align with the government’s preference to keep politicians out of royal matters. (Reuters)
If the row grows, legislation remains possible. A narrow bill could empower a committee to recommend removal of peerage and royal styles in defined circumstances, subject to a vote. That would carry political risk but would end the current half-in, half-out status. On housing, any change would require either a negotiated exit from Royal Lodge or a formal decision by the Crown Estate based on the lease terms. None of that has been announced. (AP News)
Trending FAQ
Why is this in the news now?
Because Prince Andrew says he will stop using the Duke of York style after fresh scrutiny of his Epstein ties, and Virginia Giuffre’s memoir is due for release on 21 October 2025. Both have reopened debate on his status. (AP News)
Does he still hold any titles?
Yes. He remains a prince and legally holds the dukedom. The step he announced affects usage, not the legal grant. (Sky News)
Can the government strip his titles?
It could introduce a law, but ministers say titles are for the palace to decide. Some MPs want legislation. (Reuters)
What is in the memoir?
Publishers describe Nobody’s Girl as Giuffre’s own account of abuse and the events that brought global attention to her case. Media reports say it includes allegations about Andrew that he denies. (Penguin Books Australia)
Will he lose his home at Royal Lodge?
There is no confirmed change. Reports indicate he continues to live there under a long lease from the Crown Estate. (Sky News)
What did the government say today?
A senior minister welcomed Andrew’s step as the right course while stressing that further action is a matter for the royal family. (Reuters)
When could more updates arrive?
In the coming days as the book is released and as the palace manages the royal diary, including the King’s planned visit to the Vatican. (AP News)
