Buckingham Palace has confirmed that King Charles has begun a formal process to strip Prince Andrew of all his royal styles, titles, and honours.
The move marks a major turning point in the Duke of York’s long-running scandal and deepens his isolation from royal duties.
It comes amid renewed outrage over Andrew’s ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Public pressure intensified after the release of Virginia Giuffre’s memoir, which revisited her allegations against Epstein and his associates.
In recent weeks, some British politicians have even suggested debating the removal of Andrew’s Duke of York title in Parliament — a move unprecedented in modern history.
According to the statement, Andrew will now be known simply as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.
His lease on Royal Lodge, which had allowed him to continue living there, will be terminated, and he will move to private accommodation.
The palace said the decision was “deemed necessary,” despite Andrew’s continued denial of the allegations against him.
It also stated that the King and Queen’s sympathies remain with victims and survivors of all forms of abuse.
Below is the full statement from Buckingham Palace:
A STATEMENT FROM BUCKINGHAM PALACE
His Majesty has today initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew.
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. These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him.
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.
ENDS
