LONDON — Pressure is once again mounting on Prince Andrew, as UK lawmakers call for the government to formally strip him of his remaining royal titles — just as his accuser’s explosive posthumous memoir threatens to reopen one of the monarchy’s darkest chapters.
The royal family is reportedly bracing for fresh turmoil following news that Virginia Giuffre’s memoir, Nobody’s Girl, will reveal new details about her alleged abuse and the disgraced prince’s ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew’s reputation — already in ruins — has taken blow after blow over the years. But this time, it appears the royal family has finally reached its breaking point.
Last Friday, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Andrew, 65, would renounce his title as Duke of York, a move made under pressure from King Charles III and supported by Prince William, who reportedly plans to push his uncle even further out of royal life once he ascends the throne.
The Duke’s downfall began years ago with his friendship with Epstein and his subsequent civil sexual assault case filed by Giuffre in the U.S. Though Andrew has denied any wrongdoing, he paid a multimillion-pound settlement in 2022 to end the lawsuit.
“More days of pain ahead,” one royal source told the BBC, noting the Palace is preparing for another public backlash once the memoir hits the shelves.
In the book, Giuffre claims she was trafficked by Epstein and forced to have sex with Andrew three times, including when she was just 17 — allegations Andrew continues to deny.
Lawmakers Demand Action
Several UK parliament members now argue that Andrew’s voluntary renouncement is not enough. They want parliament to legally strip him of his titles — once and for all.
Rachael Maskell, MP for York — the very city tied to Andrew’s dukedom — has introduced a bill allowing either the king or a parliamentary committee to revoke royal titles completely.
“This isn’t just about a title. It’s about accountability,” Maskell said, vowing to press ministers to support the bill this week.
There are also growing calls to remove Andrew’s title of “Prince”, inherited at birth as the son of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
George Foulkes, a member of the House of Lords, urged a review of outdated parliamentary rules that restrict lawmakers from questioning royal affairs — including Andrew’s time as the UK’s trade and investment representative.
“I wanted to ask questions about his security briefings and his role,” Foulkes said. “But I was told questions about the royal family were prohibited.”
Some constitutional experts argue that while the restriction isn’t a formal law, it’s an unwritten convention — one that may soon be tested.
Norman Baker, former Liberal Democrat MP, said the Andrew scandal could be the tipping point that forces parliament to challenge long-held royal privileges.
“This might be the moment MPs finally say — enough,” Baker told AFP.
Royal Scandal Casts Shadow Over King’s Upcoming Visit
The renewed outrage couldn’t come at a worse time. Giuffre’s memoir is set to be published just days before King Charles’s visit to the Vatican, where he will make history by praying with Pope Leo XIV, breaking centuries of royal tradition.
For many Britons, the scandal underscores a painful question: Should royalty still shield its own from accountability?
Liz Saville-Roberts, of Plaid Cymru, believes the answer is clear.
“I will support any efforts to hold royals to the same standards and laws as everyone else,” she said. “Parliament must have the power to remove privileges from abusers of position.”
As the royal family braces for more fallout, one thing is certain — Prince Andrew’s shadow continues to haunt the House of Windsor, and this time, not even his royal blood may be enough to protect him.
