Andrew-Jeffrey Epstein row: Ex-prince loses all royal titles, but will retain two key perks

Although Andrew Mountbatten Windsor has suffered a dramatic fall from royal grace, two significant perks still remain

Published on: Oct 31, 2025, 07:33:39 IST

By Shirin Gupta

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Although former Prince Andrew has suffered a dramatic fall from royal grace, two significant perks still remain. His position in the line of succession, albeit without his former active royal role and the title of Counsellor of State on paper.

Britain's Prince Andrew and his former wife, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, at Westminster Cathedral. (REUTERS)

Succession and royal status rights

Despite relinquishing many titles and honours, Andrew technically remains in the line of succession to the British throne, a privilege inherited by birth.

Andrew is eighth in line for the throne after Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Prince Harry, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, the Buckingham Palace confirmed.

He may no longer perform any official royal duties or use his previous styled titles publicly, yet that fundamental constitutional status remains intact.

The title of Counsellor of State

Andrew is still officially a Counsellor of State on paper; however, a 2022 legislation change will prevent him from acting in that capacity. Counsellors of State must be active members of the Royal Family.

The official website of the Royal Family stated, "The current Counsellors of State are The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Princess Royal, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Duke of Sussex, Prince Andrew and Princess Beatrice. In practice, only working Members of the Royal Family are called upon to act as Counsellors of State. "

Due to Andrew and his family's withdrawal from public life, he and his nephew, the Duke of Sussex, are essentially prohibited from carrying out their duties.

Perks even after disciplinary actions

The retention of these perks comes despite sweeping disciplinary actions by his brother, King Charles III, and Buckingham Palace. Andrew has given up titles such as the Duke of York and honorary military roles.

His remaining advantages are a result of his birthright. His birthright continues to protect certain privileges even as public and institutional roles evaporate.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shirin Gupta
Shirin Gupta is a content producer with the Hindustan Times. She covers everything between politics, entertainment and sports at the US desk. Shirin got interested in political journalism during her time as a web editor at her college newspaper NCC News in Syracuse when she first started seeing the effects of national politics in life of her fellow colleagues. Shirin has worked on a wide range of fast-moving and developing stories locally when she was at NCC editing accessible reports for the audience. Her current role requires her to track real-time updates, verify information and present balanced coverage across diverse beats. Covering US politics from an international newsroom perspective has further deepened her understanding of how domestic decisions can have far-reaching global consequences. With a keen interest in international affairs, Shirin continues to build her expertise in geopolitics, policy shifts, and cross-border developments. She aims to learn and evolve her reporting in matters of geopolitics and international issues. Outside the newsroom Shirin writes about books and music for her personal blog. She is an avid consumer of pop culture and reveres literature.Read More

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