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In a significant shift, Prince Andrew’s coat of arms has been taken down from Windsor Castle in a rare decision typically reserved for instances of high treason or rebellion against the Crown.
The Announcement and Its Quick Impact
Following Prince Andrew’s announcement that he would relinquish the use of his royal titles, including his chivalric honors, the banner displaying his coat of arms has been removed from Windsor Castle’s St. George’s Chapel. This development follows the October 17 statement where Andrew, 65, shared his decision, made \\”[in] discussion with The King, and my immediate and wider family.\\” His statement read, \\”[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.\\”
People can confirm that Andrew’s banner featuring his coat of arms has been removed from Windsor Castle.
PEOPLE
This flag was first introduced in 2006 after Andrew was made a Knight of the Order of the Garter. Although he agreed to relinquish this honor, he has not been officially stripped of it.
Reactions and Further Developments
The removal of Andrew’s banner is reminiscent of actions taken only in the severest scenarios, like high treason. The Sun initially reported on the unusual step taken. PEOPLE has reached out to Buckingham Palace for official commentary.
This change in Andrew’s public standing follows a turbulent period marked by legal challenges stemming from his ties with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew, maintaining his innocence, withdrew from public life in 2019 as allegations against him intensified. That same year, a 2011 email emerged showing Andrew communicating with Epstein following the publication of a controversial photo of him with Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s accusers.
The Setting Sun on Titles
In early 2022, Queen Elizabeth decisively withdrew many of Andrew’s military titles and patronages after a judge dismissed his attempt to quash Giuffre’s lawsuit. Though Andrew settled out of court, he continued attending family functions, leveraging his retained Duke of York title, among others. Since his recent retirement, Royal.UK has updated its records, reflecting a clarification: Andrew’s biography heading now reads \\”Prince Andrew,\\” marking the end of his status as the Duke of York.
Ferguson’s Refocused Identity
Reflecting these transformations, Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, has opted to drop her Duchess of York title, a move mirroring the recent royal title drama. While she has been publicly known as Sarah Ferguson post-divorce in 1996, she will professionally adopt this name across all platforms.
PEOPLE previously reported that Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, will also no longer use her title.
PEOPLE
Despite these upheavals, Andrew and Ferguson will continue to reside at the Windsor Castle estate unaffected by these shifts thanks to a private tenancy secured with The Crown Estate.
The Next Chapter for Andrew’s Daughters
The recent shift will not impinge on the royal titles enjoyed by Andrew’s daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. As for Andrew, despite relinquishing much of his former honorific distinctions, he retains the title of prince, reflecting his royal lineage per Letters Patent from King George V and an update by Queen Elizabeth in 2012.
Reporting based on the original article; quotes reproduced verbatim.
