A new poll shows a growing majority of Britons want Prince Andrew stripped of his remaining royal titles due to his association with Jeffrey Epstein, intensifying debate over the monarchy’s response.
At a Glance
- 67% of Britons now support removing Andrew’s titles
- Public backing for removal rose from 62% earlier this year
- Duke of York title could be revoked by Parliament or royal decree
- Poll conducted by YouGov with a nationally representative sample
Poll Results Show Shift
The latest YouGov survey found that 67% of respondents believe Prince Andrew should lose all remaining titles, up five percentage points from earlier this year. This includes his Duke of York designation, a hereditary title dating back to the 14th century. Only 13% of respondents said they opposed such a move, while 20% were undecided.
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The poll’s findings reflect growing public dissatisfaction with the Duke’s continued formal association with the royal family following his legal settlement with Virginia Giuffre in a U.S. civil case linked to Jeffrey Epstein. Although the settlement did not include any admission of wrongdoing, the allegations and the high-profile nature of the case have continued to affect his public standing.
Legal Pathways to Title Removal
Removing Prince Andrew’s titles would require formal legal or royal action. One option is a private member’s bill in Parliament specifically revoking the Duke of York title. Such legislation would need majority support in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords before receiving royal assent.
Another option is for King Charles III to issue a royal decree or letters patent withdrawing the titles. This approach would bypass parliamentary debate but could still generate political controversy. Precedent exists for both methods, though title removal in modern times is rare and generally reserved for cases involving serious misconduct or political incompatibility.
While Prince Andrew stepped back from public duties in 2019 and relinquished his military titles and royal patronages in 2022, he has retained the Duke of York title, which is held for life unless formally revoked.
Impact on the Monarchy
Royal commentators suggest that the rising public support for title removal could pressure Buckingham Palace to take additional action. Although the monarchy is not bound by poll results, sustained public disapproval can influence the institution’s decisions, particularly on matters of symbolic representation.
Supporters of removal argue that the association between Prince Andrew and the Epstein scandal undermines the monarchy’s reputation, especially internationally. Opponents of removal maintain that stripping titles should be reserved for criminal convictions or constitutional breaches, not civil settlements.
The YouGov poll adds to ongoing discussions about the future of the monarchy’s public image and the standards to which its members are held. For many observers, the question is less about legal feasibility and more about whether the institution can maintain credibility without further distancing itself from Andrew.