Prince Andrew has decided to remove the custom Duke of York car license plates from his luxury vehicles. The 65-year-old Royal opted not to transfer the registration plates AY02 DOY and AY03 DOY to his new Range Rover, valued at £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 with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Allegations from Virginia Giuffre further added to the scandal. Despite continuous denial of any misconduct, Andrew has taken steps to distance himself from his previous titles and associations.
The Mirror has discovered that the number plate AY02 DOY, previously seen on his Range Rovers, is now inactive as per DVLA records. Andrew sold his previous Range Rover for £50,000 last year, having driven it only 11,000 miles in three years. His new £115,000 Range Rover now bears the plate KN74 EFK, replacing the Duke of York plate. Additionally, the personalized plate AY03 DOY on his £220,000 Bentley, which he used for Princess Beatrice’s daughter’s christening in 2022, is also unregistered on any vehicle.
The license plate issue may prompt Andrew to abandon other DOY titles he has incorporated across his properties, potentially affecting instructions given to Royal staff regarding his personal preferences. Reports suggest that staff meticulously arranged his collection of bears and soft toys on his bed to avoid upsetting the Duke, with detailed instructions labeled “DOY bed: Points for turn down & making the bed” kept near his Buckingham Palace bedroom.
Last week, Andrew voluntarily surrendered his titles and resigned from the Order of the Garter amidst mounting pressure over his association with Epstein. Discussions are underway for Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, to vacate their 30-bedroom Windsor residence. It is rumored that they seek individual residences on the Windsor Estate, with Andrew expressing interest in Frogmore Cottage, previously occupied by Harry and Meghan, while Sarah eyes Adelaide Cottage, once home to William and Kate.
Recent reports indicate that Prince William warned Beatrice and Eugenie of potential title repercussions if Andrew does not vacate the Royal Lodge. Allegedly, Prince Charles joined the princesses in urging their father to leave, hinting at a reassessment of their royal statuses if action is not taken. Despite these developments, Prince Andrew’s office has not provided any comments on the matter.