Prince Andrew’s banner removed from chapel at Windsor Castle
A banner bearing Prince Andrew’s coat of arms has been removed from Windsor Castle as controversy continues over his links to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The flag, linked to the prince’s membership of the Order of the Garter, which he renounced last week, was on display in St George’s Chapel but no longer hangs there.
Last Friday Andrew announced he would no longer use his royal titles, including Duke of York, after Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir revived allegations about his ties to Epstein.
The prince is under increasing pressure to formally strip his titles and give up further privileges, including his residence in the Royal Lodge at Windsor.
Nobody’s Daughter book Written by Ms. Giuffre. before he died earlier this year. She accused the prince of sexually assaulting her; Prince Andrew has vehemently denied these allegations.
Prince Andrew’s banner, which was given to him when he became a Knight of the Garter (KG) in 2006, was hung in the area where the clergy and choir sit for services.
A virtual tour of the site on St George’s Chapel’s website shows the chapel still hanging next to the door leading into the church. It is unknown when the tour was created.
However, the banner has now been removed and only three remain hanging in the area. It is thought to have been removed at the beginning of the week.
The Order of the Garter is the oldest and most senior order of chivalry in Britain and includes other senior members of the royal family and those who are said to have contributed significantly to public life.
Current non-royal members include former prime ministers Sir Tony Blair and Sir John Major.
Prince Andrew faces scrutiny at his home at Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park. He paid “pepper rent” for more than 20 years.
government this week He refused to give MPs time for debate Prince Andrew’s deeds, or taxpayer-funded home, despite mounting scrutiny pressure.
The Metropolitan Police said it was “actively” investigating media reported Prince Andrew tried to obtain personal information About Ms. Giuffre through police protection.
on friday, It was revealed that tens of thousands of pounds were paid to the prince By a British businessman with links to an asset management company that rips off retirement savers.
Documents from the High Court in London show Andrew received £60,500 from businessman Adrian Gleave in December 2019, just weeks after the BBC Newsnight interview that led to his withdrawal from public life.
Prince Andrew also removed his royal titles at Companies House, changing his name from “HRH the Duke of York KG” to “Prince Andrew”. A document has been submitted listing changes to its details for its newly formed venture, Pitch@Palace.
On 17 October, Andrew said he would stop using these titles because “the ongoing allegations against me are a distraction from the work of Her Majesty and the Royal Family”.
“I strongly deny the accusations against me,” he said.
