More could still emerge in the United States in the trawling of documents related to Epstein.
Ominously for Prince Andrew, among those quick to respond on Friday evening was the leading Democrat on the US House Oversight Committee that has been pushing for the release of Epstein material.
Robert Garcia, whose colleagues recently revealed documents showing an “Andrew” getting massages on Epstein’s private jet, said: “His decision to give up his royal titles is long overdue.”
“We know rich and powerful men used their money and power to abuse girls and young women, and to shield themselves from justice. Prince Andrew’s decision is just the beginning in the committee’s work to deliver justice for the survivors.”
Prince Andrew has always denied wrongdoing but this has become a global story.
When US President Trump arrived for his state visit, it was a picture of Andrew and Epstein that protesters projected on to the walls of Windsor Castle.
Prince Andrew’s decision to step away from his remaining titles will also mean he stays in step with his ex-wife, who is no longer the Duchess of York. They are back to where they began when they first met – as Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson.
They still live together and as Prince Andrew has his own long lease on Royal Lodge, they’ll carry on there as before. The King had already financially cut off Prince Andrew, so there isn’t any change there, he’ll have to find his own funding.
But by voluntarily stepping back, rather than being stripped of their honours, it means that their daughters will carry on with the titles of princess.
Prince Andrew won’t be at the royal Christmas gathering in Sandringham this year. And the guessing game about seeing him at the Order of the Garter parade won’t happen again.
But are the questions about his conduct really over?
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.bbc.co.uk ’
