January 1, Prince Andrew Stripped of Military Titles Amid Sexual Assault Lawsuit

Prince Andrew has been stripped of his military titles and royal patronages, the Buckingham Palace announced, one day after it was revealed a civil case in the U.S. over alleged sex crimes would proceed.

“With the Queen’s approval and agreement, the Duke of York’s military affiliations and royal patronages have been returned to the Queen,” the palace said in a statement.

According to the BBC, Andrew will no longer be referred to as “His Royal Highness.”

The announcement comes a day after U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan ruled against Andrew’s bid to dismiss a federal lawsuit brought against him by Virginia Giuffre, who alleged that he sexually abused her when she was 17 years old.

Giuffre accuses Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell of sex-trafficking her to Andrew, which the prince has repeatedly denied.

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Prince Andrew is stripped of his royal patronages and military titles