London: The Buckingham Palace has announced that Duke of York Prince Andrew's "military affiliations and royal patronages have been returned to the Queen" and he will no longer be known as "His Royal Highness" as the Prince is accused of sex abuse in a lawsuit in the US.
In a brief statement issued on Thursday, the Palace said that the 61-year-old Prince Andrew "will continue not to undertake any public duties and is defending this case as a private citizen".
The announcement came as Prince Andrew faces a civil case in the US over claims he sexually assaulted a woman when she was 17, which he has consistently denied. The Duke of York held several honorary military titles following a 22-year service in the Royal Navy, Sky News reported. Andrew is the third child and second son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
With Agency inputs
Read: UK police won't act against Prince Andrew over abuse claim
