Prince Andrew has decided to remove the custom Duke of York license plates from his luxury vehicles. The 65-year-old royal opted not to transfer the plates AY02 DOY and AY03 DOY to his new Range Rover, which cost £115,000. According to records from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), these plates are no longer associated with any vehicle.
This move follows Andrew’s recent agreement to relinquish his Duke of York title after admitting to misleading statements regarding his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He has faced additional scrutiny following allegations made by Virginia Giuffre in her posthumous memoir. Despite the accusations, the prince maintains his innocence.
The DVLA confirms that the registration plate AY02 DOY, previously on his Range Rovers, is no longer active. Andrew sold his previous Range Rover for £50,000 last year with minimal mileage. He then acquired a new Range Rover for £115,000, displaying the plate KN74 EFK instead of the Duke of York one. Additionally, the customized plate AY03 DOY, used on his green Bentley worth £220,000, is not currently linked to any vehicle.
The situation with the registration plates may prompt Andrew to discontinue using the DOY title across his properties, including specific instructions given to staff at Buckingham Palace regarding the arrangement of his teddy bears and soft toys on his bed. Detailed guidelines were provided to prevent any potential displeasure from the Duke during bedtime routines.
Last week, Andrew voluntarily renounced his titles and resigned from the Order of the Garter amidst mounting pressure stemming from his association with Epstein. Discussions are underway for Andrew and his former wife, Sarah Ferguson, to vacate their 30-bedroom residence in Windsor. They are reportedly negotiating for separate dwellings on the Windsor Estate, with Andrew expressing interest in residing at Frogmore Cottage. Sarah is considering Adelaide Cottage, previously inhabited by Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Journalist Emily Maitlis revealed that Prince William allegedly threatened to revoke the titles of Beatrice and Eugenie if Andrew did not vacate Royal Lodge. Reports suggest that a meeting took place, involving Prince Charles and the princesses, urging them to persuade their father to leave the residence. Andrew’s office has not responded to requests for comments.