Prince Andrew Discards Duke of York Plates Amid Title Controversy

Prince Andrew has chosen not to transfer his personalised registration plates, AY02 DOY and AY03 DOY, to his new luxury vehicle, a £115,000 Range Rover. Records from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) confirm that these plates are no longer linked to any vehicle. This decision comes shortly after Andrew agreed to relinquish his title as Duke of York in light of recent revelations regarding his past associations.

The Duke, who is now 65 years old, has faced mounting scrutiny due to his connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Just days before this announcement, Andrew was implicated in further scandal by allegations detailed in a memoir by sex abuse accuser Virginia Giuffre. These developments have intensified calls for Buckingham Palace to reassess his royal status.

In November 2022, Andrew sold one of his dark green Range Rovers for £50,000, only to acquire a new automatic model. Instead of retaining his personal plates, he opted for a different registration, KN74 EFK. The second plate, AY03 DOY, previously affixed to his £220,000 Bentley, is also no longer registered with any vehicle, according to DVLA records.

Royal Changes and Personal Struggles

The decision to abandon these registration plates may signal a broader shift for the Duke, who has been under increasing pressure to distance himself from his royal titles. The implications could extend beyond car registrations, potentially affecting how he is addressed in various contexts, including instructions given to royal staff. Reports suggest that staff had specific guidelines for arranging his personal belongings, including teddy bears and cushions, to avoid any disturbances during his stays at Buckingham Palace.

On March 24, 2023, Andrew announced that he would voluntarily return his titles and resign from the Order of the Garter, the oldest chivalric order in Britain. Following this announcement, discussions have arisen regarding his living arrangements. Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, are reportedly in advanced talks to vacate their residence at Royal Lodge, a 30-bedroom mansion located within the Windsor Estate.

Sources indicate that both parties have expressed interest in separate accommodations within the estate, with Andrew reportedly seeking access to Frogmore Cottage, the former home of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Meanwhile, Sarah Ferguson has shown interest in the property previously occupied by Prince William and Kate Middleton, known as Adelaide Cottage.

Pressure from the Royal Family

Emily Maitlis, the journalist known for her interview with Andrew in 2019, revealed that there have been discussions among senior royals regarding the future of Andrew’s daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Reports suggest that Prince William has urged the princesses to convince their father to vacate Royal Lodge, indicating that failure to do so might jeopardise their own titles. Maitlis noted during a podcast that a meeting occurred where William stressed the importance of Andrew’s departure for the stability of Beatrice’s and Eugenie’s royal standing.

As these events unfold, Andrew’s office has not responded to requests for comments regarding the current situation. The ongoing turmoil surrounding his royal status and personal choices continues to capture public attention, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for the Duke of York.