Duke cuts St Andrews golf club ties as sex case looms

PRINCE Andrew has made the humiliating decision to give up his honorary membership at a St Andrews golf club as his legal battle over sexual assault allegations continues.

The Duke of York, 61, yesterday relinquished his membership of the Royal and Ancient (R&A) Golf Club in Scotland.

He had a long-standing association with the club, having been a member since 1992 and serving as captain in its 250th anniversary year.

The club, founded in 1754, will host the Open Championship this summer, where passionate golf fan Andrew had previously been an enthusiastic spectator.

Club members were informed yesterday the duke had decided to give up his membership. An email from club secretary Martin Slumbers said Andrew ‘sent best wishes for our continued good work. We respect and appreciate the Duke’s decision.’

The R&A had been proud of its association with Andrew and, to mark its 250th

‘We appreciate his decision’

anniversary, commissioned a painting by artist Anthony Oakshett – who also painted the Queen in 2005 – depicting him ‘driving into office’ when he became captain in 2003. It is understood the painting is likely to remain hanging at the R&A.

Andrew, who has a handicap in the low single figures, was the sixth royal to captain the club, following in the footsteps of his grandfather George VI, who held the role in 1930.

His decision to give up membership came as he is contesting a civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Roberts in America as a private citizen.

Andrew had already lost honorary titles at a string of other golf clubs, including Royal Portrush, Royal Belfast and Royal County Down in Northern Ireland, after the Queen stripped him of his royal patronages this month.

Previously, he had been patron at 24 golf clubs, societies and associations, but many have already cut ties with him.

The duke has vehemently denied Miss Roberts’s accusations and has taken the dramatic decision to face her in court.