The Queen’s second son, Prince Andrew, is facing losing his round-the-clock armed police protection, according to the Evening Standard.

According to top sources, the Home Office is recommending a substantial security reduction for the Duke of York following his forced “retirement” from public life.

Now that Prince Andrew has stepped aside from public life in the aftermath of the scandal surrounding his friendship with US sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein, his 24-hour armed police protection might be revoked.

The revelation follows Prince Andrew’s announcement in November of last year that he will retire from public life as a member of the Royal Family. His decision, which is understood to have been influenced by the Queen, came after scandal erupted over his high-profile association with the now-deceased wealthy sex offender. Scotland Yard is said to have evaluated Prince Andrew’s existing security situation and formed “conclusions and recommendations.”

Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, and, eventually, the Prime Minister, will make the final choice.

It comes as the Queen and top royals continue to consider the ramifications of Harry and Meghan’s choice to leave frontline responsibilities.

The Duke of York is currently listed as an internationally protected person, with armed Metropolitan Police officers providing round-the-clock protection. According to reports, the Home Office is proposing a substantial security reduction for the prince now that he has essentially quit.

“A review was ordered into the Met’s protection of HRH the Duke of York once it was announced he was stepping down from royal duties in November,” a senior source told the Evening Standard.

“Those in charge of royal security cannot write a blank cheque for anyone who does not have a public role for the foreseeable future. The Met is obliged to review the position to ensure it is justified.”

After his terrible BBC interview about their relationship, Andrew was virtually compelled to resign from royal responsibilities.

Andrew, 59, now has the option of either not having bodyguards or paying a large price for them. Talks with Met Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick and Ms Patel continue.

The revelation about Andrew’s security comes after a number of individuals and organizations severed relations with the Prince.

Amanda Thirsk, the duke’s private secretary, retired from the royal household last week after negotiating a legal settlement. She is expected to remain as CEO of the duke’s Pitch@Palace project, which supports businesses.

The outcry in Canada intensified as the Standard published Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s confidential assurances to the Queen that his government would cover the expense of guarding Harry, Meghan, and Archie while they resided there.