The Queen has stripped Prince Andrew of his military titles and royal patronage as the fallout from sexual abuse allegations continues.
Andrew will no longer be able to use the title of His Royal Highness in any official capacity and it’s understood his royal patronages will be assigned to other members of the royal family. He will also no longer continue any royal duties.
A statement released by Buckingham Palace on Thursday, January 13 announced the decision regarding the Duke of York.
“With The Queen’s approval and agreement, The Duke of York’s military affiliations and Royal patronages have been returned to The Queen,” the statement said.
“The Duke of York will continue not to undertake any public duties and is defending this case as a private citizen.”
The announcement comes mere hours after 150 former military personnel wrote a letter to the Queen asking her to remove Andrew’s military title claiming, “his position in Britain’s armed forces is now untenable” in the letter printed by The Guardian.
“We are writing to you as former members of Britain’s armed forces. All of us have served our country and are proud to have done so. For that reason, we are particularly upset and angry that Prince Andrew remains a member of the armed forces and continues to hold military titles, positions and ranks, including that of Vice Admiral of the Royal Navy,” they said.
“Were this any other senior military officer it is inconceivable that he would still be in post.
“We are therefore asking that you take immediate steps to strip Prince Andrew of all his military ranks and titles and, if necessary, that he be dishonourably discharged.”
The bombshell announcement also follows Prince Andrew’s failed attempt to have the sexual assault lawsuit against him thrown out after a federal judge dismissed the motion.
Virginia Giuffre is sueing the Prince, alleging he abused her in 2001. Prince Andrew has denied these allegations and claims Guiffre is only after “another payday at his expense.”
In his ruling Judge Lewis Kaplan wrote, “Ms Giuffre’s complaint is neither ‘unintelligible’ nor ‘vague’ nor ‘ambiguous’.”
“It alleges discrete incidents of sexual abuse in particular circumstances at three identifiable locations. It identifies to whom it attributes that sexual abuse,” he wrote.
DISCLAIMER: If you are concerned about violence or misconduct impacting you, your family, friends or workplace, the numbers below may help. National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service — 1800 737 732, Mensline Australia — 1300 789 978, Relationships Australia — 1300 364 277, BeyondBlue — 1300 224 636; Suicide Call Back Service — 1300 659 467; Headspace — 1800 650 890; Kids Helpline — 1800 551 800; Lifeline Australia — 13 11 14 for confidential support, advice and referral that will help you explore your options.