UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – MPs call for legislation to revoke Prince Andrew’s Duke of York over the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, but the government defers to the royal family’s views.
As reported by The Independent, the King and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer face pressure from MPs to introduce a law stripping Prince Andrew of his Duke of York title.
Prince Andrew gave up the Duke of York title after the ongoing fallout from the Epstein scandal and the release of Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoirs.
An Act of Parliament would be needed to formally remove Prince Andrew’s title, though King Charles is believed to view it as largely symbolic, with the government guided by royal advice.
What did Stephen Flynn say about Prince Andrew and Lord Mandelson’s titles amid Epstein fallout?
SNP’s Stephen Flynn declared he will act, citing the anger and shock of Virginia Giuffre’s family and the British public.
He demanded the law be applied to both Prince Andrew and former US ambassador Lord Mandelson over their ties to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Mr Flynn stated,
“The family of Virginia Giuffre, whose life was destroyed, are angry and aghast.”
He said,
“The public across these isles are angry and aghast and they both deserve to know that some MPs share their outrage.”
Mr Flynn added,
“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.”
What did Liz Saville-Roberts say about stripping Prince Andrew of his privileges?
Plaid Cymru’s Liz Saville-Roberts stated,
“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.”
He added,
“I will support any efforts to hold royals to the same standards and laws as everyone else – Parliament must have the power to remove privileges from abusers of position.”
What did Rachael Maskell say about giving the King power to remove titles?
Rachael Maskell, an Independent MP, proposed a private members’ bill to give the King the authority to remove royal titles.
She said,
“I do think it is for Parliament to act. I presume the technicalities of that would be that there would have to be a conversation between the Palace and Parliament to indicate that the King was willing to assume those powers.”
Ms Maskell added,
“But of course, Parliament could press forward with action and legislation if it so chose. And I think we need to find a mechanism in order to achieve that. The private members’ route would be one such measure.”
What did Bridget Phillipson say about Prince Andrew’s title and royal guidance?
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated,
“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, but we will be guided by the monarch.”
She added,
“It’s why we do support the statement that was issued and the action that has been taken. But of course, Prince Andrew holds the title of prince because he is the son of a monarch, and that’s the situation that we have.”
What did Ed Miliband say about Prince Andrew giving up his title?
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband stated,
“I think the royal family have said that they didn’t want to take up parliamentary time with this; there are lots of other things that parliament is discussing, I think it’s right he’s given up his title.”
What titles and honours will Prince Andrew no longer use?
Prince Andrew will no longer use his wedding titles, including Duke of York, Earl of Inverness, and Baron Killyleagh, as well as his Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order and his Garter role.
Previously, laws have been used to remove titles, particularly from Victoria and Albert’s descendants who aligned with Germany during the First World War.
Under the Titles Deprivation Act, titles were removed in 1919 from Leopold Charles, Duke of Albany; Ernest Augustus, Duke of Cumberland and Teviotdale; Ernest Augustus, Duke of Brunswick; and Henry, Viscount Taaffe.
What is the Titles Deprivation Act?
The 1917 Titles Deprivation Act allowed the British Crown to strip peerages and royal titles from enemies during World War I.
It specifically targeted British peers who fought for the Central Powers, resulting in the removal of titles from three German princes and one viscount.
