The Queen 'personally wrote' the statement that stripped Prince Andrew of his military affiliations and royal patronages.
He had 12 military titles formally removed and can no longer use His Royal Highness in an official capacity.
It is understood that Her Majesty personally worded the bombshell statement about her "favourite son" that was released at 5pm yesterday.
Prince Charles and the Queen and her son are said to have mutually agreed on the decision, but ultimately the decision would have fallen to the monarch and been a difficult one.
But sources told The Sun that the Queen was "determined not to allow any emotional sentiment into it."
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Prince Andrew, 61, is facing a civil trial over allegations he sexually abused Virginia Giuffre.
Ms Giuffre is suing the Duke in the US over the claims, which he strenuously denies.
He will now have to face his trial as an ordinary citizen after being stripped of his affiliations and patronages.
In full, the statement said released by Buckingham Palace yesterday said: "With the Queen's approval and agreement, The Duke of York's military affiliations and Royal patronages have been returned to The Queen.
"The Duke of York will continue not to undertake any public duties and is defending this case as a private citizen."
Ms Giuffre wrote on Twitter she was “pleased” with the ruling, adding: “I’m glad I will have the chance to continue to expose the truth & I am deeply grateful to my extraordinary legal team.
Prince Andrew stepped down from duties in November 2019 following his car-crash BBC Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis.
In 2019, he released a statement saying he had voluntarily asked to step back from royal duties.
He wrote: "It has become clear to me over the last few days that the circumstances relating to my former association with Jeffrey Epstein has become a major disruption to my family’s work and the valuable work going on in the many organisations and charities that I am proud to support.
"Therefore, I have asked Her Majesty if I may step back from public duties for the foreseeable future, and she has given her permission.
"I continue to unequivocally regret my ill-judged association with Jeffrey Epstein.
"His suicide has left many unanswered questions, particularly for his victims, and I deeply sympathise with everyone who has been affected and wants some form of closure. I can only hope that, in time, they will be able to rebuild their lives.
