Andrew Mountbatten Windsor has come under renewed scrutiny after relinquishing his royal titles last month amid ongoing controversy over his links to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

On October 17, the former prince announced he would give up his royal titles, including the Duke of York designation granted by his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth. In a statement, Andrew explained, “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.”

While Andrew has consistently denied all allegations of sexual misconduct, he emphasized that the ongoing public attention was a distraction for the royal family. He added, “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.”

King Charles and Queen Camilla issued a rare statement in response, highlighting their support for victims of abuse. Buckingham Palace stated, “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.”

Andrew’s Links to Jeffrey Epstein

Andrew’s connections to Epstein have long cast a shadow over his royal role. In a BBC Newsnight interview, the former prince admitted to visiting Epstein’s private island and staying at his Manhattan residence in December 2010, after Epstein had already served a prison sentence as a registered sex offender. Andrew claims he went to New York intending to end his friendship with Epstein but remained in the city for several days.

Earlier this year, Virginia Giuffre, who had filed a civil suit alleging Andrew sexually assaulted her as a minor, passed away. Andrew had settled the lawsuit in 2022 for an undisclosed sum reported to be around $16 million, despite maintaining that he never met Giuffre.

New Allegations Surface

Royal biographer Andrew Lownie has now raised fresh claims against the former prince, alleging that for years he brought sex workers into Buckingham Palace. Lownie told NewsNation, “He brought in prostitutes to Buckingham Palace for years. It was done on a regular basis. People who worked there complained to people in command, but nothing was done. Staff were allegedly told to ‘keep it quiet.’”

The biographer further claimed that the late Queen was aware of these activities, adding, “But he was her favourite son, and he got away with everything. They brushed it under the rug — until now.” Lownie suggested that with Andrew no longer shielded by the Queen, more individuals feel able to speak out about his alleged conduct.

Despite denying all new allegations, Andrew remains in the public eye, with scrutiny showing no signs of abating.