Duke asks for military deferment on birthday

Buckingham Palace has said the Duke of York has asked to defer a military promotion to admiral after stepping down from public duties in the wake of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.

Andrew was due to be promoted on his 60th birthday later this month, in line with a longstanding policy that sees senior royals treated as serving military members.

But a Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said the duke had requested to forego the planned promotion until he is able to fully resume royal duties.

“By convention, the Duke of York would be in line for military promotion on his 60th birthday,” the spokeswoman said.

“Following the decision by his royal highness to step back from public duties for the foreseeable future, the Duke of York has asked the ministry of defence if this promotion might be deferred until such time that he returns to public duty.”

The duke stepped down from public duties last year over his friendship with convicted sex offender Epstein.

His decision comes after the government announced that councils are no longer required to fly flags to mark the duke’s birthday on February 19.

Downing Street said the matter was being looked into after critics branded the celebration “crass and offensive”.

A government spokesman said: “The department of culture, media and sport will be advising councils that there is no requirement to fly flags on February 19 following the decision by the Duke of York to step back from public duties for the foreseeable future.”

The decision will also apply to other government buildings.

Prince Andrew will be 60 on February 19.