Prince Andrew’s 40-Year reign as Duke of York ends: How it all fell apart

Prince Andrew’s royal journey has finally come to an intense close. 

On October 17, 2025, Buckingham Palace confirmed that the prince would no longer use his royal titles and honorus, marking the final chapter of his long and rough public life.

Here’s a look back at the defining moments of his rise, downfall, and decision to surrender his royal identity:

1. A royal birth

Prince Andrew was the first child born to a reigning monarch in 103 years and the third child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

2. Decorated naval career

Andrew joined Royal Navy in 1979 as a helicopter pilot. He earned his wings from Prince Philip and served with distinction during the Falklands War in 1982.

3. Marriage and personal life

In 1986, Andrew married Sarah Ferguson. “We married for total love,” Ferguson recalled.

The couple welcomed two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. The two got separated in 1992 but remained on good terms.

“He is the best man I know,” Ferguson said in 2019.

4. Connection with Jeffrey Epstein spark scandal

Andrew’s collapse began in 2010, when his photos with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein surfaced. In 2015, Virginia Giuffre accused Andrew of sexual abuse when she was 17. The allegations he strongly denied. 

“I have no recollection of ever meeting this lady, none whatsoever,” he said in his infamous 2019 BBC interview.

5. The BBC Interview that changed everything

His “no holds barred” Newsnight interview backfired spectacularly. The prince’s tone-deaf answers and implausible explanations, including his claim that he couldn’t sweat, led to public outrage. 

Days later, he stepped back from royal duties, admitting, “I let the side down.”

6. Stripped of royal and military titles

Just weeks before the settlement, Queen Elizabeth stripped Andrew of his military titles and royal patronages. 

“The Duke of York will continue not to undertake any public duties,” Buckingham Palace said at the time.

7. His final step away from royal life

Now, in October 2025, Prince Andrew has gone further, voluntarily dropping the use of his “Duke of York” title. 

“With His Majesty’s agreement, we feel I must now go a step further,” he said, adding, “I will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me.”