Prince Charlesis staying silent about his brotherPrince Andrew’s royal status.
“Your Royal Highness, can I ask your view on your brother’s position, Prince Andrew?” the reporter said. “How do you view it?”
Prince Charlesignored the question and proceeded to shake hands and converse with another man.
The decision to strip Prince Andrew of his patronages and military titles was “widely discussed” within the senior ranks of the royal family, a royal source confirms to PEOPLE — likely meaning talks betweenQueen Elizabeth, Prince Charles andPrince William.
One day after a judge rejected Prince Andrew’s attempt to have asexual assault lawsuit against him thrown out, Buckingham Palace released a statement on Thursday regarding Andrew’s royal status.
“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 announced. “The Duke of York will continue not to undertake any public duties and is defending this case as a private citizen.”
Prince Andrew, 61, will likely retain his title as the Duke of York and keep his place in the line of succession to the throne, which is currently ninth behindPrince HarryandMeghan Markle’s two children. However, he will no longer use the style “His Royal Highness” in any official capacity.
Prince Andrew’s attorneys argued last week to dismissVirginia Roberts Giuffre’s sexual assault lawsuit after it was revealed that convicted sex offenderJeffrey Epsteinreached a $500,000 settlement with Giuffre, in which she agreed not to sue any other “potential defendant.”
Prince Andrew.Chris Jackson/WPA Pool/Getty Images
source: people.com
