After a busy September and October packed with a state visit and trips around England and Northern Ireland, Prince William and Princess Kate have noticeably stepped back from the spotlight. The royal couple haven't carried out any public engagements since October 17, fueling rumors that their low profile is related to Prince Andrew's latest scandal. However, there's a much simpler reason for why the Prince and Princess of Wales have gone MIA.
On Friday, October 17, Prince Andrew made an announcement that he would no longer be using his Duke of York title, concluding "the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family." Andrew, who was friends with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has also faced calls from government leaders to come clean about his financial arrangements and lease at Royal Lodge after it was revealed he hasn't paid rent in two decades.
