King Charles has stripped Prince Andrew of all royal titles, honors, and privileges after a formal review.
Buckingham Palace said the move reinforces the monarchy’s commitment to accountability and integrity.
Britain’s King Charles has officially removed all royal titles, styles, and honors from his younger brother, Prince Andrew, marking one of the most significant royal disciplinary actions in modern history. Buckingham Palace confirmed the development on Thursday, saying the move followed a “formal process” initiated by the King himself.
According to the palace, Prince Andrew will now be referred to as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, a sharp departure from his long-held designation as the Duke of York. This decision comes amid intensifying pressure surrounding Andrew’s past association with the late American financier and convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein.
In a statement, the palace explained that the decision was necessary “notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him.” It added that King Charles and Queen Camilla’s “thoughts and utmost sympathies remain with the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”
The palace also stated that Andrew is required to leave the Royal Lodge in Windsor, a residence he has lived in for years under a private lease arrangement. “His lease on Royal Lodge has, to date, provided him with legal protection to continue in residence. Formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease, and he will move to alternative private accommodation,” the statement read.
Reports indicate that the disgraced royal will relocate to a smaller residence on the royal family’s Sandringham estate. Meanwhile, his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will retain their royal titles and duties.
Earlier this month, Prince Andrew acknowledged that the persistent accusations against him had become a major distraction to the monarchy’s image and to King Charles’s leadership. “As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me,” he stated, maintaining his innocence.
The development marks a definitive step by King Charles to distance the royal family from ongoing scandals and reinforce its commitment to accountability and moral responsibility.
