Former Prince Andrew is set to face a significant reduction in his status as King Charles plans to remove his honorary rank of vice admiral in the Royal Navy. This decision follows the former Duke of York’s previous relinquishment of other military titles amid ongoing controversy surrounding his associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
According to Britain’s Defense Secretary, John Healey, the formal process to strip Andrew of his last honorary position is already in motion. Healey confirmed on October 1, 2023, during an interview with Sky News, “We’ve seen Andrew surrender the military positions that he’s had, and we’re looking now at the one remaining position he has, which is the honorary vice admiral position.”
He further elaborated in a later discussion with the BBC, stating, “King Charles indicated that’s what he wishes. This is a move that’s right, it’s a move the king has indicated we should take, and we’re working on that at the moment.”
Andrew was appointed as a vice admiral in 2015, coinciding with his 55th birthday. Despite holding the title, he was compelled to step down from other military roles in 2022 due to the fallout from allegations made by Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual abuse when she was a minor. Giuffre, a victim of Epstein’s trafficking network, detailed her allegations in a memoir published posthumously last month.
Andrew served for 22 years in the Royal Navy, engaging in active service as a helicopter pilot during the Falklands War and commanding a mine countermeasures vessel. Nonetheless, at 65 years of age, he now faces the prospect of living as a private citizen after being ordered to relinquish all royal titles following discussions within the royal family.
In addition to losing his title as Duke of York, Andrew will no longer be addressed as “Prince,” instead adopting the name Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. His previous designation as His Royal Highness was also rescinded in light of the allegations against him.
As part of this transition, Andrew has been given a three-month period to vacate the Royal Lodge, his current residence. He lives there with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, who is also expected to leave the property.
The developments surrounding Andrew’s titles reflect ongoing scrutiny of his past associations and the royal family’s commitment to distancing itself from controversy. With King Charles leading this initiative, the former prince’s public standing continues to diminish as he navigates life outside the royal framework.
