Once regarded as Queen Elizabeth’s favourite son and admired as a dashing naval officer, Prince Andrew will now be remembered as the royal who faced accusations of sexually abusing a teenage girl and was stripped of his title.

King Charles removed his younger brother’s title on Thursday in a move widely seen as an effort to distance the monarchy from the scandal surrounding Andrew and his ties to the late U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Virginia Giuffre accused Andrew of sexually abusing her as a teenager at properties linked to Epstein, and although he denied the allegations, he reached an undisclosed financial settlement in 2022.

Fall from grace

Andrew had already stepped back from royal duties after a disastrous BBC interview in 2019, intended to clear his name but instead seen as lacking compassion for Epstein’s victims. Earlier this month, he agreed to relinquish the title of Duke of York, a role traditionally given to the monarch’s second son, saying he was putting “duty to family and country first.”

Once a popular figure, Andrew became increasingly viewed as a liability to the royal family, though his late mother reportedly remained affectionate towards him.

She allowed him to accompany her to Prince Philip’s memorial service in 2022, but his public appearances since have been limited to major family events such as the Queen’s funeral and King Charles’s coronation.

A career naval officer for over two decades, Andrew later served as the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment until 2011, when his association with Epstein forced his resignation.

He was also widely known for his 1986 marriage to Sarah Ferguson, “Fergie,” which ended in 1996 but remained amicable.

From 'Air Miles Andy' to isolation

After leaving the military, Andrew’s name frequently appeared in tabloids, which dubbed him “Air Miles Andy” for his lavish lifestyle and relationships with models and entrepreneurs. His friendship with Epstein, who was convicted in 2008 of child sex offences, ultimately led to his downfall.

Giuffre’s allegations resurfaced this year following the publication of her memoir, shortly after her death in April. In the infamous BBC interview, Andrew made several implausible claims — including that he could not sweat and had been at a pizza restaurant on the night of the alleged incident — drawing widespread ridicule.

Critics pointed to his arrogance and sense of entitlement. A former royal protection officer even alleged that he would throw tantrums if his collection of teddy bears was disturbed.

Although Andrew later expressed “unequivocal regret” for his friendship with Epstein, the statement came too late. His reputation, and any remaining public goodwill, had already collapsed beyond repair.

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