Majority of Britons want Prince Andrew stripped of titles amid Epstein scandal; here’s how it could legally happen

A recent YouGov poll reveals that 67 per cent of Britons want Prince Andrew stripped of his remaining royal titles, including his Duke of York dukedom and princely status. This marks a rise in public disapproval compared to three years ago, when 62 per cent favored removal.

The survey draws a pretty clear picture of growing dissatisfaction with the King’s younger brother, who has become one of the least popular members of the royal family. Only 5 per cent of respondents hold a positive view of Andrew, placing him well below other royals such as the Duchess and Duke of Sussex.

Controversial biography paints dark portrait

The backlash follows the release of a new biography by Andrew Lownie, which depicts Prince Andrew as a sex-obsessed figure, a "useful idiot," and easy prey for the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The book also alleges a physical altercation with his nephew, Prince Harry, and recounts instances of rude behavior towards royal staff, including calling a longtime employee a “f***ing imbecile” for incorrectly addressing the Queen Mother.

Legal steps needed to remove titles

Stripping Andrew of the Duke of York title would require parliamentary legislation, while his birthright to be a prince can be rescinded through a Letters Patent issued by the King.

Following his disastrous Newsnight interview in 2019, Andrew ceased using the style of “His Royal Highness,” but it remains unclear if this will be removed entirely.

In Prince Andrew's case, while he no longer performs royal duties or uses his HRH style, removing his Dukedom would require this parliamentary process, which involves drafting a bill, getting parliamentary approval, and receiving Royal Assent from the King.

This is a complex and politically sensitive move, unlikely to be done lightly or without significant consensus.

Epstein connection and fallout

Prince Andrew’s public role ended amid the fallout from his association with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted billionaire paedophile.

He later settled a civil sexual assault case with Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of abuse while Epstein trafficked her as a teenager. Andrew denies all allegations and claims never to have met Giuffre, despite a widely circulated photo of them together.