Andrew, Duke of York . File photoMOSCOW, Jan 15British Queen Elizabeth II personally announced to Prince Andrew, who is accused of raping a minor, that he will no longer be called «His Royal Highness,» according to the New York Post, citing sources. On Thursday, the press service of Buckingham Palace reported that Prince Andrew, the second son of Elizabeth II, who was often called the Queen's favorite child by the British media and experts, had lost honorary military ranks, royal patronages, will no longer be able to use the title «His Royal Highness», and in court will defend himself as a private person. This decision means that the Duke of York is completely removed from official royal life.Charles insisted on the removal of Prince Andrew from duties, media reported. There, 95-year-old Elizabeth II informed him of the deprivation of military ranks and royal patronage. During a private audience, the monarch told the prince that he could no longer «officially» be called «His Royal Highness.» Despite this, the queen and prince still supposedly remain close. However, according to a source, «the queen showed no signs of sadness or confusion, nothing emotional at all.» «Everything happened so abruptly,» he added. In addition, sources suggested that the British queen, according to some reports, financed the defense of the prince in court from her personal funds, and may continue to do so. Presumably, Prince Andrew receives about 323 thousand dollars a year from the Queen. The statement by Buckingham Palace followed against the background of the refusal of the American court to satisfy the request of the prince to dismiss the lawsuit against him from human rights activist Virginia Giuffre, who accuses him of allegedly raping her when she was 17 years. Prince Andrew denies ties to Giuffre. As a source close to the prince told the New York Post, «the Duke will continue to defend himself in court against allegations» by the prosecution. According to him, the whole thing is more of a «marathon, not a sprint», and the interim decision of the court is not surprised by the prince's entourage. accused of rape, stripped of military ranks
