The British monarchy's decision to formally remove Prince Andrew's remaining royal titles has reignited global attention on the late financier Jeffrey Epstein's unreleased case files, which victims and advocacy groups say could expose new details about networks of power and abuse.
The process, initiated by King Charles III earlier this month, marks an unprecedented step in modern royal history. Buckingham Palace confirmed that the King had "initiated a formal process to remove the style, titles, and honours of Prince Andrew," and served notice for him to vacate Royal Lodge in Windsor, where he has lived since stepping back from public duties in 2019. The palace said the move was necessary as the "continuing public controversy" surrounding the Duke of York's past had become a distraction from the sovereign's constitutional role.
The announcement followed a personal statement from Andrew, released on October 17, 2025, in which he said that after discussion with the King and his family, he would "no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me," while continuing to deny all allegations made against him.
The decision comes amid renewed scrutiny over Andrew's ties to Epstein and the lingering question of what remains inside the so-called "Epstein files" - a trove of legal documents, depositions, flight logs, and sealed evidence gathered over years of U.S. investigations. Survivors' advocates have demanded their release, arguing that transparency is essential for justice and accountability.
The most definitive record of Andrew's legal exposure remains his 2022 settlement with Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual assault when she was 17. According to filings in the Southern District of New York, the case was "voluntarily dismissed, with prejudice," following an undisclosed financial settlement. The documents confirmed the case was resolved but left unanswered questions about evidence never tested in court.
In the United States, government officials have acknowledged reviewing tens of thousands of pages of Epstein-related materials, some of which remain sealed due to ongoing litigation and redaction disputes. Legal experts and campaigners have said that the monarchy's latest decision could increase pressure on U.S. authorities to publish unredacted files.
The controversy also revives attention to Andrew's ill-fated 2019 BBC Newsnight interview with journalist Emily Maitlis, where he attempted to explain his association with Epstein. That interview - in which he denied meeting Giuffre and made now-notorious remarks about his inability to sweat - remains a central piece of public evidence repeatedly cited by journalists and legal analysts.
For many survivors, each withheld document represents another failure of accountability. Advocates argue that the release of the full archive would not only validate victims' experiences but also clarify how institutions shielded those accused of wrongdoing.
