In a decisive move underscoring accountability within the British monarchy, King Charles has officially stripped his younger brother Prince Andrew of all royal titles, honours, and privileges, according to an official Buckingham Palace statement released Thursday, October 30.
The palace confirmed that the 65-year-old royal, long entangled in controversy over his association with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, will no longer be known as Prince Andrew or the Duke of York. Instead, he will carry the name Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.
“His Majesty has today initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew,” the statement read. “Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. 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 document also emphasized that the King’s decision followed a “formal removal process,” describing Andrew’s eviction from his Windsor estate as “deemed necessary” even though he “continues to deny the allegations against him.”
Buckingham Palace further added; “Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”
This unprecedented royal action comes as Andrew faces renewed scrutiny, including a private prosecution over alleged sex offences and corruption.
The anti-monarchy organization Republic has announced plans to pursue legal action against the disgraced royal. The group has already raised nearly £5,700 toward its £50,000 crowdfunding target to fund the prosecution.
Republic stated: “A private prosecution has the same power as when the police prosecute an alleged criminal. It is not easy to do and costs money, but Republic is keen to ensure that credible accusations against Prince Andrew are met with proper accountability and a sense of justice for the alleged victims and the wider public.”
