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Politics & World • Royalty

Prince Andrew, Duke of York

Prince Andrew, Duke of York, is the third child and second son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and a younger brother of King Charles III.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Prince Andrew, Duke of York, is the third child and second son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and a younger brother of King Charles III. He was born in 1960 and served as a Royal Navy officer before stepping back from royal duties in 2019. In 2025, he announced that he would no longer use the title Duke of York; later reporting said his royal titles and styles were formally removed.

Early life

Andrew was born on 19 February 1960 at Buckingham Palace in London. He is the third child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, and was the first child born to a reigning British monarch in more than a century.

Royal Navy and public role

He served in the Royal Navy before taking on official duties as a working royal. His public role later diminished after he stepped back from royal duties in 2019.

Controversies and withdrawal from duties

Andrew's public standing was affected by scrutiny over his association with Jeffrey Epstein and related allegations, which he has denied. Buckingham Palace later said his military affiliations and patronages were returned to the Queen.

Titles and status

Andrew was known as the Duke of York for nearly four decades. In October 2025 he said he would stop using the title, and later reports stated his styles and titles were formally removed. As of 2026, he was eighth in line to the British throne.

Key facts

  • Prince Andrew is the third child and second son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.
  • He served in the Royal Navy before becoming a working royal.
  • He stepped back from public royal duties in 2019 amid controversy related to Jeffrey Epstein.
  • In 2025, he announced he would no longer use the title Duke of York; later reports said his royal titles and styles were formally removed.
  • As of 2026, he was eighth in line to the British throne.
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Canadian context

Canadian readers may know Prince Andrew through Commonwealth royal coverage, since Canada recognizes the British monarch as its head of state.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Prince Andrew, Duke of York?
He is the third child and second son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, and a younger brother of King Charles III.
When was Prince Andrew born?
He was born on 19 February 1960.
What was Prince Andrew's former title?
His former title was Duke of York.
Did Prince Andrew step back from royal duties?
Yes. He stepped back from public royal duties in 2019.
Does Prince Andrew still use the Duke of York title?
No. He announced in October 2025 that he would no longer use it, and later reports said the title and related styles were formally removed.
What is his position in the line of succession?
He was eighth in line to the British throne as of 2026.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Mountbatten-Windsor
    Supports: Birth date, parentage, former name, and line of succession.
  2. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgqlyw9g7weo
    Supports: October 2025 statement that he would no longer use the Duke of York title.
  3. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-59987935
    Supports: Removal of military titles and use of HRH in an official capacity.
  4. Reuters — https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/britains-prince-andrew-gives-up-title-duke-york-2025-10-17/
    Supports: Announcement relinquishing the Duke of York title and context of scrutiny.
  5. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Andrew-Mountbatten-Windsor
    Supports: Biographical details, Royal Navy service, and withdrawal from royal duties.
  6. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgmkm8516ko
    Supports: Later reporting that royal titles and styles were formally removed.