In a bold royal decision seen as both symbolic and strategic, King Charles III has stripped his younger brother, Prince Andrew, of his remaining royal titles and honours, while also ordering him to vacate the Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate. This highlights the monarch’s determination to protect the integrity of the British Crown amid lingering controversy surrounding the Duke’s associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
According to palace sources, Andrew will no longer be referred to as “His Royal Highness” or “Duke of York” in any official capacity. He will now be styled simply as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, effectively severing his remaining formal ties to the monarchy. This follows his earlier removal from royal duties in 2019, and the withdrawal of his military affiliations and patronages in 2022.
The King’s order also ends Andrew’s long-standing lease at the Royal Lodge, his residence on the Windsor estate for more than two decades. The Duke is expected to relocate to a smaller, privately funded property, marking his full withdrawal from royal privileges. Reports suggest that Prince William, the heir to the throne, may assume control of the Windsor property in due course.
Prince Andrew, who stepped back from public life following a BBC interview in 2019 that was widely criticised, continues to deny all allegations linked to the Epstein scandal. However, his settlement of a civil lawsuit in the United States in 2022 without admission of guilt effectively ended any prospect of a return to public duties.
The firm step is being interpreted by royal watchers as part of King Charles’ broader effort to modernise and streamline the monarchy, focusing on transparency and public accountability. It also signals a clear message: royal blood no longer shields anyone from consequence.
Palace insiders say the decision, though painful within the family, was taken in the interest of “upholding the dignity of the monarchy.” Buckingham Palace has declined to issue an official statement beyond confirming the King’s approval of the measures.
