Prince Andrew, removed from public life in the UK because of an abuse scandal, lost the honorary degree bestowed on him by the English city of York on Wednesday (28th).
American Virginia Giuffre claimed in 2001 that Prince Andrew sexually abused her when she was 17. Today she is 38 years old.
The lawyer representing the prince said a 2009 agreement “absolves Andrew and others of any alleged liability” and that “the prince never sexually abused or assaulted Giuffre.”
2 of 2 Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Andrew, center right, arrive for Mass for Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey on March 29, 2022 in London. — Photo: Richard Pohle via AP
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Andrew, center right, arrive for Mass for Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey in London March 29, 2022. — Photo: Richard Pohle via AP
The 62yearold second son of Queen Elizabeth II is the Duke of York City. However, he was stripped of any official office in January and is not allowed to use the title “Royal Highness”.
Now, following a unanimous vote by local councillors, he has lost the Freedom of the City of York award he received in 1987. York residents told AFP that Prince Andrew’s association with the city was a disgrace.
The title dates back to 1272 when the ‘free men’ who held the title controlled trade and administered grazing rights, but today it has only symbolic value.
Prince Andrew loses title over sex abuse allegations