Poll Reveals Overwhelming Support for Stripping Prince Andrew of Knight of the Garter Title

A recent poll conducted by Express.co.uk has revealed a striking consensus among its readers regarding the Duke of York's status as a Knight of the Garter.

An astounding 79% of respondents believe that Prince Andrew should be stripped of this esteemed honour.

The Duke of York was noticeably absent from the annual Garter Day procession and ceremony in Windsor, where members of the royal family traditionally gather.

This absence prompted calls from Express readers to revoke the Duke's privileges associated with the Knight of the Garter title.

Bestowed with the honour by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006, Prince Andrew's presence has been absent from Garter Day proceedings for the past two years.

While King Charles holds the authority to appoint and dismiss members of the order, there has been speculation that he may be reluctant to eject his own brother.

The Knight of the Garter distinction remains one of the few remaining royal honours held by Prince Andrew as he relinquished his military titles, royal patronages and HRH status upon stepping back from public life in 2019.

Russell Myers, the royal editor of the Daily Mirror, expressed doubt that King Charles would take such action against his brother.

Myers explained that the honour is likely the only significant recognition left for Prince Andrew and suggested that the King may prefer Andrew to retire quietly from public life without causing any further controversies.

While Prince Andrew still harbours a desire to return to royal duties, Myers opined that such a scenario seems highly unlikely.

Express conducted a poll to gauge public sentiment on whether Andrew should be removed from the Order of the Garter.

Over the course of the poll, which ran from June 26 to 27, a total of 1,822 votes were cast.

The overwhelming majority in 79% favoured his removal, while 19% opposed the idea.

A small number indicated uncertainty.

Readers engaged in a lively discussion in the comments section of the article reflecting diverse opinions on the prestigious order.

Some echoed Russell Myers' view, suggesting that King Charles is unlikely to remove the Duke's honours.

However, many readers argued vehemently for Prince Andrew's removal from the Order of the Garter, emphasising the need to sever all ties with the disgraced royal.

Throughout the centuries, since its establishment in 1348, only 40 individuals have been dismissed from the Order by the Sovereign.

The fate of Prince Andrew's membership now lies in the hands of King Charles, who must weigh public opinion against familial obligations in making a decision.

The question now looms: Should King Charles strip away the titles?

The poll results and reader comments overwhelmingly point towards support for removing Prince Andrew's Knight of the Garter title.

As the public sentiment grows stronger, the pressure mounts on the King to address this issue.

The future of Prince Andrew's honour hangs in the balance, awaiting a decision that could have far-reaching implications for the royal family.

Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to unfold.

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