Prince Andrew facing calls to be stripped of Duke of York title
The Duke of York is facing calls to be stripped of his title, the day after giving up the use of 'HRH' and having his honorary military roles removed.
Prince Andrew is facing a trial in the US for sex offences after judge ruled it could go ahead on Wednesday.
On Thursday he was seen arriving at Windsor Castle for a summit with the Queen, in which it is reported she told him face-to-face he would be stripped of his titles.
Now, a senior member of City of York Council has begun a campaign to strip Andrew of his Dukedom.
Darryl Smalley, Liberal Democrat executive member for culture, leisure and communities at the council, said: “York’s unique connection to the crown and the monarch is an important part of our city’s legacy, history and a great source of pride.
Watch: Royal biographer: Heirs urged Queen to strip Andrew's titles
Read more: Prince Andrew loses military titles and use of HRH status after 'face to face' meeting with Queen
“No-one is above the law and all allegations should rightly be fully investigated, particularly following the recent distressing court cases
“We stand with all victims, whose harrowing stories have shocked us all in recent months.
“Whilst Prince Andrew remains innocent until proven guilty, Buckingham Palace and the Government must consider the implications of these troubling allegations moving forward.
“Having been stripped of his military roles and royal patronages by the Queen, he should also now relinquish his title as Duke of York.”
Andrew is being sued by Virginia Roberts Giuffre for rape after he allegedly sexually abused her when she was 17.
He denies all allegations against him.
The Palace said in a statement on Thursday: “With the Queen’s approval and agreement, the Duke of York’s military affiliations and Royal patronages have been returned to the Queen.
“The Duke of York will continue not to undertake any public duties and is defending this case as a private citizen.”
It has been claimed that the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge - Andrew's own brother and nephew - were instrumental in the removal of the titles.
On Thursday, a source close to the duke said he would “continue to defend himself” against Ms Giuffre’s allegations.
Watch: Prince Andrew Stripped Of Military Titles Amid Lawsuit On Sex Abuse Allegations
The civil trial is expected to be held between September and December this year.
The Queen is head of the armed forces, and honorary military appointments are in her gift.
The duke had held the title of Colonel of the Grenadier Guards, one of the oldest and most emblematic regiments in the British Army.
His other British honorary military titles were: Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Lossiemouth; Colonel-in-chief of the Royal Irish Regiment; Colonel-in-chief of the Small Arms School Corps; Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm; Royal Colonel of the Royal Highland Fusiliers; Deputy Colonel-in-chief of The Royal Lancers (Queen Elizabeths’ Own); and Royal Colonel of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
