Nearly two weeks after the disgraced brother of King Charles III, Prince Andrew, announced he would relinquish his titles and honors due to the “continued accusations” surrounding his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Buckingham Palace has taken an even more drastic step.
In a stunning development, King Charles has formally stripped Andrew of his “Prince” title, further distancing the monarchy from the scandal that has haunted it for years.
“His Majesty has today initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew,” the Palace said in a statement released on October 30. “Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.”
The move marks the first time in modern royal history that a senior member of the royal family has been publicly and officially stripped of the “Prince” style — a title Andrew was granted at birth by his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
In addition to the loss of his title, the statement confirmed that Andrew will no longer reside at the Royal Lodge, his longtime home in Windsor. Instead, he will relocate to a smaller residence on King Charles’ Sandringham estate.
“His lease on Royal Lodge has, to date, provided him with legal protection to continue in residence,” the statement noted. “Formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease, and he will move to alternative private accommodation.”
Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, who has continued living at Royal Lodge despite their divorce, will be required to make her own separate arrangements.
Buckingham Palace made clear that the decision was motivated by the need to uphold the moral integrity of the monarchy.
“These new censures are deemed necessary,” the Palace said. “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.”
Earlier this month, Andrew released a statement claiming he “vigorously denies” all allegations of sexual misconduct but admitted that the scandal has become a “distraction from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family.”
At that time, he said he would no longer use his title or honors, but it was widely assumed that the “Prince” title would remain, given its birthright nature. The Palace’s new move dispels that assumption completely, signaling the monarchy’s intent to close the chapter on Andrew’s royal role once and for all.
Meanwhile, Andrew’s daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will retain their titles and remain recognized as Her Royal Highness Princess, though they have largely stepped back from senior royal duties in recent years.
The latest move by King Charles underscores a broader effort to protect the monarchy’s reputation amid persistent questions about accountability, privilege, and justice — and to send a message that no member of the royal family is above reproach.
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