The Ministry of Defence is set to strip Prince Andrew of his last honorary military title. This decision comes under the guidance of King Charles, as confirmed by Defence Secretary John Healey.
Andrew, previously a Vice Admiral in the Royal Navy, retained this rank after stepping down from other military roles in 2022. Healey mentioned on “Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg” that the King expressed a clear wish for this change, saying they are actively working on it.
Once celebrated as a war hero and prince, Andrew’s reputation has taken a significant hit. He served in the Royal Navy for 22 years and was a helicopter pilot during the Falklands War, even commanding the HMS Cottesmore. However, following mounting pressure about his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, he recently lost his last remaining royal titles.
Royal expert Valentine Low stated this loss will be a significant blow for Andrew. He noted that royals take great pride in their military titles. It seems King Charles is determined to remove all titles from his brother, showing a tough stance.
In the past, Andrew returned several military titles and royal patronages after facing allegations of sexual abuse in a civil case in the U.S. He later settled with Virginia Giuffre, a victim of Jeffrey Epstein, who accused him of sexual misconduct when she was a teenager—a claim he has consistently denied.
Andrew’s earlier losses included prestigious titles, like colonel of the Grenadier Guards, and various overseas honors, such as colonel-in-chief of The Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada.
An opinion poll by YouGov shows that public sentiment towards Andrew has significantly shifted, with more people supporting the actions taken against him. Similarly, social media discussions reveal a mix of sympathy and criticism, reflecting a broader debate about accountability and royal privileges.
This unfolding story illustrates a complex intersection of royal history and public opinion that continues to evolve. For further context on royal titles and their implications, you can refer to the BBC’s in-depth coverage here.
