New research has found 67 per cent of Brits would back a move to strip Prince Andrew of his Duke of York title as well as lose his status as a prince
Two-thirds of Brits back Prince Andrew’s remaining royal titles being stripped, a new poll has shown.
Research has found that 67 per cent of the public would back Andrew’s Duke of York title being removed – as well as his status as a prince being taken away.
It comes as a damning biography of the disgraced Duke and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, delved into his private life, depicting him as sex obsessed, a “useful idiot” and easy prey for Jeffrey Epstein. The book also accuses Andrew of using taxpayer-funded overseas trade trips for private business and accepting questionable gifts and loans from wealthy associates.
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Three years ago, 62 per cent of people thought Andrew’s York title should be removed – meaning there has been a jump of five percentage points in those who would back the move amid the book’s allegations.
It also comes just days after a separate YouGov survey found that just five per cent of Brits have a positive view of the late Queen’s second son.
He languishes at the bottom of royal favourability ratings, beneath Meghan, who has a 20 per cent positive rating and Prince Harry, who is viewed favourably by 28 per cent of people.
For him to be stripped of his Duke of York title, legislation would be required by Parliament to stop him from using the style. His birthright to be a prince, as the son of a monarch, could only be removed if a Letters Patent were issued by the King to strip his brother of the title.
Andrew stopped using his style of His Royal Highness following his disastrous Newsnight interview, but it could be removed entirely by a Letters Patent. He stepped away from his public role in 2019 amid the furore over his friendship with convicted billionaire paedophile Epstein.
Behind palace walls, aides are understood to be advising the prince to remain in the UK and avoid any appearance that could reignite public fury.
Earlier this week, the Mirror revealed how Andrew may “never set foot” on US soil again as lawmakers in the States press for him to provide under oath testimony about his friendship with Epstein.
The disgraced duke has not been to North America for more than a decade, and senior sources say he is now ātoo terrifiedā to even contemplate the trip.
One well-placed Washington insider told the Mirror: āIf Prince Andrew sets foot on US soil again, he will be met with an avalanche of political, legal and media scrutiny. He knows it, and so does Buckingham Palace. The safest option for him is to stay put in Britain and hope the storm dies down. But it wonāt.ā
Senior diplomatic sources say the unofficial ban on travel now extends far beyond America, with some close allies of Washington unlikely to roll out the red carpet for a royal under such scrutiny. āHeās effectively a grounded duke,ā one insider said. The Duke of York has been contacted for comment.
