Prince Andrew seeking to use royal title after Queen backed the move before she died

Prince Andrew was given the late Queen’s blessing to use his HRH title, according to a new report.

The Duke of York is said to have been granted capacity to use the title “in a private capacity” after it was announced that his military titles and royal patronages would be returned to the monarch.

Andrew’s embroilment in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal resulted in the move from the Royal Family.

The Duke is now said to have a new determination to regain the privilege after he was granted permission to pursue certain business interests by the King.

Andrew has long considered himself hard done by for losing his royal titles as he has not been found guilty of any crime.

The 62-year-old was stood accused of raping and sexually abusing a teenager on three separate occasions.

Andrew enjoyed the support of his mother, the late Queen, as the case dragged on and.

A source told the Daily Telegraph that the Duke is said to have asked her if he could use his HRH title.

“She was always in his corner and he had her ear, of that there was never any doubt,” a source said. “He was not stripped of the title and was still able to use it privately. He talked her around and she agreed.”

Palace aides are not said to have been as receptive to the idea, warning that any use would dampen public perception towards the royals.

The Duke was supposed to be keeping a low profile after paying millions to settle the case out of court.

His mother’s death thwarted a tentative plan to test the waters in public, meaning the Duke was never given the opportunity to use the title.

King Charles now holds the hopes of the Duke in his hand, but he is said to have adopted a differing stance to his late mother on the matter.

Charles is said to be sceptical about granting the Duke use of his HRH title
Andrew Milligan

Charles is considered unlikely to support such a move, as he harbours fears over jeopardising the future of the monarchy.

The Duke is said to have held talks with the King in recent weeks as the 62-year-old yearns for purpose.

Charles is now said to be considering permitting Andrew to use his HRH title on correspondence, a move that would be welcomed by the Duke.

A move considered to be a gentle test of public opinion was carried out over Christmas as the Duke was allowed to join the Royal Family on the traditional walk to church at Sandringham.

Andrew continues to argue that he should be allowed to use the HRH title as he was born with it.

The Duke vigorously defended himself against the civil case of sexual abuse brought forward by his accuser, Virginia Giuffre.

Last January, Buckingham Palace announced he had been stripped of his military titles and had agreed that he will no longer use his HRH title in any official capacity.

Andrew settled the civil case out of court with a $12million payment to Ms Giuffre, including a donation to her sex trafficking charity.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment.