UK minister backs Prince Andrew's decision to relinquish royal titles

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Sky News
20 Oct 2025 15:54

UK Education Minister Bridget Phillipson said Prince Andrew’s decision to relinquish his royal titles was the "right course of action."

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Prince Andrew arrives for the funeral of the Duchess of Kent at Westminster Cathedral in London, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025. (Pool Photo via AP)

A senior British minister has said Prince Andrew's decision to relinquish his royal titles was the "right course of action," as fresh revelations about his past ties and behavior intensify scrutiny of the monarchy.

Education Minister Bridget Phillipson told Sky News that the government "agree and support the decision that the royal family and Prince Andrew have taken," adding, "We believe that's the right course of action." She emphasized that any further action, such as removing his title as prince, would fall under the royal family's jurisdiction, not that of the government.

The comments follow Buckingham Palace's confirmation on Friday that Andrew would stop using his Duke of York title and royal honors after discussions "with the king, and my immediate and wider family." In a statement issued through the palace, Andrew said, "The continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the royal family. I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first."

Coordinated royal decision amid mounting pressure

Sources at Buckingham Palace said the move came after high-level meetings involving King Charles, Prince William, and senior aides, who had grown increasingly anxious about the reputational damage from Andrew's association with Jeffrey Epstein. Palace insiders described the decision as having reached a "tipping point". King Charles reportedly approved the step and expressed relief at the outcome.

Andrew, who will remain a prince, a title that cannot be revoked without constitutional reform, also agreed to relinquish his honors as Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order and Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. His ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, will no longer use her Duchess of York title, though their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will retain theirs.

The latest developments come just as police confirmed they are reviewing claims that Andrew sought help from a police officer to discredit a woman who accused him of sexual abuse.

Fresh allegations in Giuffre memoir

The announcement also coincided with the release of new excerpts from Nobody's Girl, the posthumous memoir of Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein's most well-known accusers, who allegedly died by suicide in April. In the book, Giuffre alleges she feared she might "die a sex slave" under Epstein's control and recounts three alleged sexual encounters with Andrew, including one involving Epstein and several young women. She claims the prince correctly guessed her age, 17, when they first met and details meetings in London, New York, and on Epstein's private island.

Giuffre's family welcomed Andrew's move as "vindication for Virginia and survivors everywhere," calling on King Charles to strip him of his princely title as well. Andrew has denied all allegations and settled Giuffre's 2022 civil lawsuit for a reported £12 million without admitting liability.

Renewed focus on Epstein ties and security concerns

Newly unsealed US court documents have revealed that Andrew took at least four flights on Epstein's private jet between 1999 and 2006, often accompanied by Ghislaine Maxwell and other associates, contradicting his 2019 BBC Newsnight interview, in which he claimed to have cut ties with Epstein in 2010. British media also reported that emails later surfaced showing Andrew remained in contact with Epstein even after their New York meeting drew public outrage.

Separately, a court ruling last year indicated that one of Andrew's former business contacts was considered by British authorities to be a Chinese intelligence operative. Andrew said at the time that he had ceased all communication with the individual.

Mounting political and public calls for accountability

Labour MP Rachael Maskell, who represents York Central, renewed calls for legislation that would empower the monarch to revoke peerages or royal titles without parliamentary approval. "Having sought to change the law through my removal of titles bill, I now think it is time for this legislation," she said.

Andrew was previously stripped of his military roles and barred from using the title "His Royal Highness" in 2022. With his latest renunciations, he effectively retreats from public life.