Prince Andrew stripped of military titles and royal patronages

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By agreeing to strip Prince Andrew of his honorary military titles and royal patronages as he faces trial in New York, the Queen showed her relentless commitment to safeguarding the monarchy, royal expert Russell Myers said. In a comment piece for the Mirror, the publication’s royal editor wrote: “As difficult as the decision to banish her son from royal life forever may have been, the Queen once again showed there is no time for sentiment when it comes to protecting The Firm.

“Many will argue her resolution to stick by Prince Andrew as his disgrace mounted was an error.

“But once a ruling was handed down forcing him to face a civil trial, an event of such incredible magnitude and risk to the monarchy, the Queen acted with rapid brutality.”

Other royal commentators took a similar stance on the latest Buckingham Palace’s statement on the Duke of York.

Royal expert Peter Hunt, a BBC former royal correspondent, commented on the palace’s announcement writing on Twitter: “Brutal.

“The Windsors have shown that when the institution is under threat, dynastic preservation trumps flesh and blood.”

Also on Twitter, royal commentator Emily Andrews wrote: “The Firm (& its protection) always come first.”

Buckingham Palace announced on Thursday afternoon Prince Andrew had returned to Her Majesty his military and royal patronages.

The statement read: “With The Queen’s approval and agreement, The Duke of York’s military affiliations and Royal patronages have been returned to The Queen. 

“The Duke of York will continue not to undertake any public duties and is defending this case as a private citizen.”

Royal sources also said the Duke of York retained his HRH status – but would no longer use it in any official capacity.

The military patronages will be redistributed to other members of the Royal Family, it is understood.

Andrew, a former Royal Navy officer who served in the Falklands War in 1982, will keep his rank of Vice Admiral and his role of Counsellor of State.

The Duke hasn’t carried out a royal engagement since November 2019, when he announced his decision to temporarily step back from public duties in the wake of his interview with Newsnight.

The latest announcement by the Palace came one day after a New York court ruled against throwing out a civil case launched last summer against the Duke of York by Virginia Giuffre.

Andrew now faces a civil lawsuit in the US, with Ms Giuffre, formerly known as Virginia Roberts, claiming he “committed sexual assault and battery” upon her when she was a teenager.

She alleges she was trafficked by late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to have sex with the Duke when she was 17.

Andrew has repeatedly denied the allegations made against him.

In November 2019, while being interviewed by Newsnight’s Emily Maitlis, he stated he has no recollection of meeting Ms Giuffre.

After Buckingham Palace released its latest statement on Andrew, a source close to the Duke reacted to Judge Lewis A Kaplan’s decision to dismiss the royal’s legal team’s attempt to have the case thrown out.

The source said: “Given the robustness with which Judge Kaplan greeted our arguments, we are unsurprised by the ruling.

“However, it was not a judgment on the merits of Ms Giuffre’s allegations.

“This is a marathon not a sprint and the duke will continue to defend himself against these claims.”

Ms Giuffre also commented on Judge Kaplan’s decision, writing on Twitter: “I’m pleased with Judge Kaplan’s ruling yesterday that allows my case against Prince Andrew to go forward.

“I’m glad I will have the chance to continue to expose the truth & I am deeply grateful to my extraordinary legal team.

“Their determination helps me seek justice from those who hurt me and so many others.

“My goal has always been to show that the rich and powerful are not above the law & must be held accountable.

“I do not walk this path alone, but alongside countless other survivors of sexual abuse & trafficking.”

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