Prince Andrew has decided to remove the custom Duke of York license plates from his luxury vehicles. The 65-year-old royal has opted not to transfer the registration plates AY02 DOY and AY03 DOY to his new £115,000 Range Rover, as per records from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) indicating they 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 about his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Accusations from Virginia Giuffre in her posthumous memoir have added to the scandal, although the prince maintains his innocence.
The Mirror has uncovered that the registration plate AY02 DOY, previously seen on his dark green Range Rovers, is now inactive according to DVLA records. Last November, he sold his Range Rover for £50,000 after minimal usage, acquiring a new model for £115,000 with the registration KN74 EFK instead of the Duke of York plate. Additionally, the personalized AY03 DOY plate on his green £220,000 Bentley is unaccounted for in DVLA records, suggesting it is not currently associated with any vehicle.
This situation may prompt Prince Andrew to cease using the DOY title across his estate, including specific instructions to staff regarding the arrangement of his teddy bears and soft toys on his bed to avoid bedtime “tantrums.” Furthermore, Andrew voluntarily surrendered his titles and membership in the Order of the Garter amid mounting pressure related to his connections to Epstein.
Reports indicate that Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, are contemplating vacating their 30-bedroom Windsor mansion. Plans include each of them having a residence within the Windsor Estate, with Andrew reportedly eyeing Frogmore Cottage, previously occupied by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Sarah has shown interest in Adelaide Cottage, formerly owned by Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Allegedly, Prince William has urged Beatrice and Eugenie to persuade their father to vacate Royal Lodge, threatening to reconsider their royal titles if Andrew does not comply. Despite requests for comment, Prince Andrew’s office remained silent on the matter.