MPs are calling for new legislation to formally strip Prince Andrew of his Duke of York title following the ongoing fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. The King and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Labour) face mounting parliamentary pressure to introduce the necessary law.
Andrew has already relinquished use of his Duke of York title amid the controversy and publication of Virginia Giuffre's memoirs. However, formally removing the title would require an Act of Parliament, which King Charles reportedly views as a waste of parliamentary time.
The Government has indicated it will be guided by the royal family's position on the matter. Ministers have suggested the Palace would prefer Parliament to focus on other legislative priorities rather than pursue this largely symbolic measure.
Cross-party pressure builds
The Scottish National Party's Westminster leader Stephen Flynn said he would "not sit silent" while Virginia Giuffre's family and the British public remain "angry and aghast". Flynn called for legislation targeting both Andrew and Lord Mandelson, the former ambassador who was dismissed due to his own Epstein connections.
"The family of Virginia Giuffre, whose life was destroyed, are angry and aghast," Flynn said. "The public across these isles are angry and aghast and they both deserve to know that some MPs share their outrage. So I won't sit silent. If an Act of Parliament is required to strip the likes of Peter Mandelson and Prince Andrew of their titles, then there can be no justification from this Labour Government as to why that is not immediately happening."
Plaid Cymru's Liz Saville-Roberts emphasised concerns about public funding and accountability. "Public funds, police protection and royal privilege have long buffered Prince Andrew from the consequences of his actions. And we've paid for all this," she said.
Historical precedent exists
Parliament has previously stripped royal titles using the Titles Deprivation Act 1917. The law was used to remove titles from descendants of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert who sided with Germany during the First World War.
The legislation targeted figures including Leopold Charles, Duke of Albany, and Ernest Augustus, Duke of Cumberland. While the 1917 Act remains in force, its specific wartime provisions would likely not apply to current circumstances.
Independent MP Rachael Maskell has previously attempted to change the law through a private members' bill. "I do think it is for Parliament to act," Maskell told BBC Radio 4's Today programme, suggesting dialogue between Palace and Parliament would be necessary.
Government maintains royal guidance stance
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson confirmed the Government's position of following royal family wishes. "We would be guided by the royal family in this and I imagine the royal family would want Parliament to continue to dedicate our time to our wider legislative programme," she said.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband echoed this view on Sunday, stating the royal family preferred not to use parliamentary time on the issue. The titles Andrew will no longer use include Duke of York, Earl of Inverness, Baron Killyleagh, and his various knighthoods and honours.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
