Prince Andrew’s page on the royal family’s official website just underwent a major change.
Following his October 17 announcement that he would voluntarily relinquish his royal titles and honors, Royal.UK is reflecting the change. As of October 20, the official web page now refers to the former Duke of York as simply Prince Andrew.
Although references to the Duke of York remain within the text, those errors should be cleaned up over time.
Prince Andrew gave up his titles after a chat with King Charles
Andrew’s page on the royal website includes a biography, highlighting his 22 years in the Royal Navy. It also features an earlier statement about the Prince stepping back from his public role. Though Queen Elizabeth stripped Andrew of his military affiliations and patronages, leaving him bereft of a royal income, she let him keep his Duke of York title.
In a statement released by the Palace, Andrew announced he’ll no longer use his title or honors, as they distract from the work of his older brother King Charles.
“In discussion with The King, and my immediate and wider family,” Andrew said in the statement, “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,” he continued. “I will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me.”
Traditionally given to the monarch’s second son, Andrew received his Duke of York title in 1986 on his wedding day to Sarah Ferguson. Though the couple divorced in 1996, Sarah remained the Duchess of York, though she lost the HRH designation. But when Andrew relinquished his title, Sarah also lost hers. While as the son of a monarch, he remains a prince, Sarah is no longer a Duchess. In the meantime, Andrew and Sarah’s two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie will also remain princesses.
TELL US – WERE YOU SURPRISED THAT ANDREW LOST HIS TITLES?
This story originally appeared on Realitytea
