Prince Andrew may no longer be a working royal. However, questions around what titles he can still legally use continue to surface. Following his removal from royal duties and loss of key styles, a new report suggests that at least one historic title remains firmly in place.
The distinction highlights the often-confusing separation between royal status and peerage law in the UK. And while his public role has dramatically changed, the fine print appears more complicated.
Ex-Prince Andrew can still use the Duke of York title despite ‘exile’ — report
According to a recent Daily Mail report, Prince Andrew is still legally entitled to use the title Duke of York, despite having been stripped of the styles “Prince” and “His Royal Highness” late last year. While the move by King Charles III was widely viewed as a decisive step to distance the monarchy from his brother, experts claim the Duke of York peerage remains intact.
The distinction matters because royal styles and peerage titles operate under different rules. Although Buckingham Palace confirmed that Andrew was removed from the official roll of the peerage, peerage experts argue that this does not automatically revoke the title itself. Michael Rhodes, editor of Peerage News and a recognized authority on the subject, claims that removing a peerage requires an Act of Parliament, not just royal authority.
“It’s quite clear that Andrew’s removal from the Roll was done to deceive and bamboozle the public,” Rhodes told the Daily Mail. He added that Andrew is and will remain Duke of York “until his death — or until an Act of Parliament is brought before parliament.” Rhodes also pointed out that many peers who are not listed on the official roll still legitimately use their titles, citing several historical examples.
If accurate, the claim means Andrew could still style himself as Duke of York on personal correspondence. He could also retain a modified coat of arms and potentially use the title in private or overseas settings. Rhodes suggested that while the title may now be largely symbolic at home, it could still carry social significance abroad.
So far, Buckingham Palace has not publicly challenged the legal interpretation outlined in the report. Without parliamentary action, experts suggest the title remains beyond the reach of royal decree alone.
Originally reported by Zahrah Patel on RealityTea.
