Prince Andrew should be stripped of his titles, say 1 in 2 Brits

Prince Andrew’s popularity has hit rock bottom following the latest revelations over his friendship with the paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

More than 82% of Brits were found to hold a negative view of Andrew compared to 74% in the days before he gave up his royal titles, according to an Ipsos poll this week.

Meanwhile, half (51%) of those surveyed believe he should be formally stripped of his titles by Parliament.

The poll also revealed that 88% believe it was the right decision to give them up.

The prince can no longer use his titles of Duke of York, Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh.

However, he still holds them by law.

On Friday, Andrew said he would no longer be known as the Duke of York and that he was stepping down from membership of the Order of the Garter – Britain’s most ancient order of chivalry.

He also gave up his position as Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victoria Order.

However, he will remain a prince as the son of Queen Elizabeth II.

A statement issued by Buckingham Palace on Andrew’s behalf said: ‘In discussion with The King, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family.

‘I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first. I stand by my decision five years ago to stand back from public life. 

‘With His Majesty’s agreement, we feel I must now go a step further. I will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me. As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me.’

Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir alleges Andrew, then a relatively dashing figure dressed in ‘slacks, a light blue dress shirt open at the collar with French cuffs, and elegant cufflinks’, had sex with her after a night out at Tramp nightclub in London.

Prince Andrew denies the allegations.

Gideon Skinner, senior director of UK politics at Ipsos, said: ‘These findings underscore a critical moment for the Royal Family in the court of public opinion.

‘Prince Andrew’s already low favourability ratings have sunk even further, and there is widespread support for him renouncing his official titles.

‘However, despite the turbulence surrounding Prince Andrew, it is slightly better news for the palace that so far overall support for the monarchy remains relatively stable.’

The Ipsos poll found that only 50% of Brits have a favourable opinion of the Royal Family as a whole.

But Ipsos told Metro that the Firm’s popularity has remained relatively stable over time.

According to the British Social Attitudes survey released by the National Centre for Social Research in September, the Royal Family’s support stood at 51% last year.

But in 1983 a poll found that 86% of UK adults thought the monarchy was important.

And support for abolishing the monarchy has risen from 3% to 15% during that time.

The Ipsos poll this week found that Prince William was the most liked member of the Royal Family, with 69% found to have a favourable opinion of him.

Meanwhile 66% were found to have a favourable opinion of Catherine, who was followed by Princess Anne (61%), King Charles (51%) and Queen Camilla (33%).

Only 28% favoured Prince Harry followed by his wife Meghan (17%) and Sarah Ferguson lags even further behind (13%).