Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, once known as Prince Andrew, has been referred to again as “The Duke of York” on the Royal Family’s official line of succession page. This change comes despite Buckingham Palace’s announcement on October 30, 2025, that King Charles III had legally stripped Andrew of his royal titles. Currently, Andrew remains eighth in line to the British throne, and the reasoning behind this reversion to the title is unclear.
Initially, the Royal Family’s website listed him simply as “Andrew,” following the announcement that he would no longer use his titles. However, it appears this listing has reverted to “The Duke of York,” raising questions about the Royal Family’s management of its public image. Newsweek sought clarification from Buckingham Palace regarding this inconsistency.
Official notices from the London Gazette confirmed that Andrew’s titles were formally removed on November 3, 2025. The notice stated: “The King has been pleased by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the Realm dated 3 November 2025 to declare that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor shall no longer be entitled to hold and enjoy the style, title or attribute of ‘Royal Highness’ and the titular dignity of ‘Prince.'”
The significance of this situation lies in Andrew’s controversial past. Virginia Giuffre has accused him of sexually assaulting her when she was trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell at the age of 17 in 2001. Though Andrew has consistently denied these allegations, the fallout from the claims has been substantial. Giuffre filed a civil suit against Andrew in New York in 2021, which ended in a settlement for an undisclosed amount in 2022, all while he maintained his innocence.
The publication of Giuffre’s memoir, Nobody’s Girl, shortly before her death in April 2023 has reignited public scrutiny of Andrew’s past associations and actions, particularly his connection to Epstein.
Public Reaction and Implications for the Monarchy
Graham Smith, the chief executive of anti-monarchy group Republic, criticized the apparent oversight, stating, “It could be an error by whoever is managing the website but it is odd. You would think they would be a lot more careful about how they’re presenting this given the store they put into removing these titles.” He suggested that this inconsistency might indicate a lack of sincerity in the royal family’s efforts to distance themselves from the scandal surrounding Andrew.
Andrew’s association with Epstein has attracted negative attention for over a decade, particularly after being photographed with him in Central Park in December 2010. Recent revelations, including leaked emails where Andrew expressed concern for Epstein amid the growing allegations and suggested digging up dirt on Giuffre, have further complicated his standing.
The backlash against Andrew prompted Buckingham Palace to take more decisive action. Initially, Andrew had voluntarily stepped back from public life, citing a desire to prioritize his family’s duties and avoid distractions. On October 17, 2025, the palace released a statement confirming this decision. However, following continued pressure, King Charles issued a statement confirming the formal removal of Andrew’s titles and ordering him to vacate the Royal Lodge in Windsor.
The palace emphasized in its statement that these measures were necessary, stating, “Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.” Following this, the royal website was updated to describe Andrew simply as “Andrew,” yet it has now reverted to his former title.
The palace now faces a significant dilemma. It must either correct the website to reflect the removal of Andrew’s titles or risk public skepticism regarding the seriousness of its actions. The perception that the stripping of Andrew’s titles was merely performative could undermine the royal family’s credibility.
Next Steps for the Royal Family
As the situation develops, the palace will need to address the inconsistency on its website to maintain public confidence in its decisions regarding Andrew. The royal family has a responsibility to clarify its stance and uphold its commitment to victims of abuse, especially in light of the ongoing scrutiny they face.
The ongoing situation surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor showcases the complex interplay between royal titles, public perception, and accountability, highlighting the challenges the monarchy faces in navigating its modern image.
