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By Anna Commander and Gabe Whisnant
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The family of Virginia Giuffre, the woman who accused Prince Andrew of sexually abusing her as a teenager, said Thursday that the loss of his royal title marks “a victory” for her years of courage and truth. In a statement, Giuffre’s family said, “An ordinary American girl from an ordinary American family, brought down a British prince with her truth and extraordinary courage.”
Why It Matters
The removal of Prince Andrew's royal title and eviction from his official residence marks a pivotal moment for the British royal family and victims of sexual abuse linked to disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The decision taken by Buckingham Palace follows years of legal actions and public campaigns by Virginia Giuffre—one of Epstein's most well-known accusers—whose posthumous memoir and family have kept calls for accountability in the global spotlight.
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What To Know
Giuffre, who died by suicide earlier this year, alleged she was forced to have sex with Andrew three times when she was underage — claims the prince has repeatedly denied. Her family said they will continue her fight for accountability against “all of the abusers and abettors connected to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell,” according to the statement in BBC News.
The full statement first issued by Buckingham Palace on Thursday reads: "His Majesty has today initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew. Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. His lease on Royal Lodge has, to date, provided him with legal protection to continue in residence. Formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease and he will move to alternative private accommodation. These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him. Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse."
Why Did Prince Andrew Lose His Title?
Andrew relinquished his Duke of York title earlier in the month and, with this move, is stripped of all remaining official honours. Despite these changes, Andrew retains his position as eighth in line to the British throne, while his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, keep their titles as daughters of the son of a Sovereign, BBC News reports.
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What People Are Saying
Andrew's statement earlier this month: "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. I stand by my decision five years ago to stand back from public life."
"With His Majesty’s agreement, we feel I must now go a step further. I will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me. As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me."
What Happens Next
Prince Andrew will move from Royal Lodge to private accommodation on the Sandringham estate, funded by the monarch, BBC News reports. Sarah Ferguson, his ex-wife, is also expected to leave Royal Lodge.
Update 10/30/25 5:04 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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