Prince Andrew has faced mounting pressure over his long-standing ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The brother of Virginia Giuffre has urged King Charles III to go further in holding Prince Andrew accountable, calling for the disgraced royal to be stripped of the title “Prince” altogether. The appeal follows Andrew’s decision to voluntarily give up his other titles — including Duke of York — and his membership in the Order of the Garter, Britain’s oldest and most senior order of chivalry.
Speaking to BBC Newsnight, Sky Roberts, the brother of the late Virginia Giuffre, said his sister would have been “very proud” of the latest development. “We would call on the King to potentially go ahead and take out the prince in the Andrew,” he said. “Anybody implicated in this should have some sort of resolve, some responsibility and accountability for these survivors.”
Prince Andrew has faced mounting pressure over his long-standing ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. His royal standing has steadily eroded over the past few years, culminating in his 2022 decision to settle a civil lawsuit brought by Giuffre. She alleged that Andrew sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions, including when she was 17, at the London home of Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell in 2001. The prince, who has always denied all allegations, made a substantial financial settlement but admitted no wrongdoing.
In a statement released on Friday, Andrew said: “In discussion with the King and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded 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.” He added that he would no longer use his titles or honours, stressing, “I vigorously deny the accusations against me.”
Born a prince in 1960 as the son of Queen Elizabeth II, Andrew’s royal status can only be revoked by the King through a formal letters patent — a legal document that would officially remove the title. So far, the Palace has not commented on whether King Charles intends to take that step.
Next week, renewed scrutiny is expected with the release of Giuffre’s posthumous memoir, which reportedly details her encounters with Andrew and includes a gag order she agreed to in 2022 to avoid overshadowing the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Survivors of Epstein’s abuse have hailed the prince’s decision to relinquish his titles as a step toward justice. Haley Robson, another victim, said it was “long delayed but very appropriate,” adding: “This is why King Charles is King — he’s showing the world what accountability looks like.”
Prince Andrew is expected to remain at Royal Lodge in Windsor, where he holds a private lease until 2078. His ex-wife will now be known as Sarah Ferguson, while their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will retain their royal titles.
