Prince Andrew, Duke of York, has been involved in significant controversies primarily related to his association with Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender. Accusations arose that Andrew had sexually abused a minor, Virginia Giuffre, who claimed she was trafficked by Epstein to have sex with the prince when she was 17. Andrew has denied the allegations, but his 2019 BBC interview, where he sought to clear himself, was widely criticized. Due to public backlash and legal challenges, Andrew stepped back from royal duties in 2019 and eventually gave up his royal titles, including Duke of York, in 2025. His military affiliations and royal patronages were removed by the Queen. In 2022, Andrew settled a civil lawsuit brought by Giuffre for an undisclosed sum reportedly over $16 million. The scandals have led to his complete withdrawal from public royal roles and financial support from the royal family, marking a severe fall from grace for a senior royal member. His association with Epstein remains the defining issue of his public life and reputation.