What you need to know
King Charles’ younger brother has been removed from public recognition in another substantial way, after Prince Andrew announced he would renounce the use of the title.
People can confirm that a flag featuring Andrew’s coat of arms has been removed from Windsor Castle.
The flag was previously displayed next to Prince William in St George’s Chapel. The system was first taken up in 2006 after Andrew was appointed a Knight of the Order of the Garter, an order founded in the 14th century. Although he was not formally stripped of his command, he agreed to waive it.
The Sun said the display would normally only be removed in cases of high treason or rebellion against the king.
PEOPLE has reached out to Buckingham Palace for comment.
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Andrew, 65, announced on October 17 that he would renounce the use of his royal titles and honors. In a statement released through Buckingham Palace, he said the decision was taken “in discussion with the King and my immediate family.”
“I have come to the conclusion that the continuing allegations against me are interfering with the work of Her Majesty and the Royal Family,” he said. “As always, I have decided to put my duty to my family and country first.”
Andrew has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, but first stepped back from public life in 2019 amid fallout from his relationship with the late convicted Jeffrey Epstein.
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Queen Elizabeth then stripped Andrew of his military title and patronage in early 2022 after a judge rejected his attempt to dismiss a sexual assault lawsuit against Virginia Giuffre. He settled the case with Giuffre, who died by suicide earlier this year, for an undisclosed amount.
At the time he held the title of Duke of York and other honors. He also continued to attend royal events at family events, including holiday outings, funerals, and other gatherings.
As Queen Elizabeth’s son, Andrew will continue to be called a prince, according to Letters Patent issued by King George V in 1917 and renewed by the Queen in 2012.
Recent reports revealed a 2011 email in which Andrew allegedly told Epstein, “I think we’re in this together,” the day after the infamous photo of Andrew with his arm around Giuffre was released. The messages also appeared to prove that the two were still in touch after the royal family claimed they had cut ties with Epstein.
Just a few weeks ago, several charities cut ties with Andrew’s ex-wife Sarah Ferguson after new emails from 2011 showed her calling Epstein “a solid, generous and great friend to me and my family.”
Mark Cuthbert/British Press, via Getty
Some big changes have occurred since Andrew agreed to give up his royal title. Royal.UK has been updated to reflect the change and no longer lists him as the Duke of York. Instead, his biographical headline was replaced with simply “Prince Andrew” on Monday, October 20th.
This page contains a biography and highlights his achievements in the Royal Navy. The article includes a link to Andrew’s 2022 statement about his retirement from public life, military affiliation and patronage, as well as his Oct. 17 statement.
PEOPLE previously reported that Andrew’s ex-wife Sarah Ferguson will also no longer use her title.
When Queen Elizabeth married Mr. Ferguson in 1986, she made her second son the Duke of York, giving him the historic royal title traditionally reserved for the second son of a monarch. This made Ferguson the Duchess of York, a title she retained even after her divorce from Andrew in 1996.
Prince Andrew’s ex-wife has long used Sarah Ferguson professionally and plans to do so in all areas from now on, PEOPLE reported. This means she will no longer use the title Duchess of York.
Despite the recent announcements, people understand that Andrew will continue to live on the grounds of Windsor Castle as he has a private lease with the Crown Estate that will not be affected by any changes to honors or titles. Andrew has not paid rent for the Windsor mansion since 2003, according to the Royal Lodge lease agreement obtained by The Times.
The royal titles and status of her adult daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will not be affected by the bombshell.
