Prince Andrew’s military affiliations and royal patronages have been returned to the Queen as he faces a sexual assault civil trial in the US.
On Thursday it was announced that the move had been made “with the Queen’s approval”.
The Duke of York will also no longer use the style “His Royal Highness” in any official capacity, a royal source has said.
Andrew is facing a civil case in the US following claims he sexually assaulted Virginia Giuffre when she was underage.
He had tried to get the case thrown out as Ms Giuffre had waived her right to pursue the Duke by signing a confidential settlement with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
However, a US judge ruled her civil lawsuit was allowed to proceed.
The duke has strenuously denied the allegations.
Andrew’s titles included Colonel of the Grenadier Guards, one of the most senior infantry regiments in the British Army, alongside 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.
It comes after more than 150 veterans joined forces, writing to the Queen to demand Andrew was removed from the honorary military positions.
Accusing the Duke of bringing the services he was associated with into disrepute, the 152 former members of the Royal Navy, RAF and Army said that “were this any other senior military officer it is inconceivable that he would still be in post”.
The Queen is head of the armed forces, and honorary military appointments are in her gift.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “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.”
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