Thursday, 30 October 2025 | London, United Kingdom | Buckingham Palace has announced that King Charles III has formally initiated the process to remove all royal styles, titles, and honours from his younger brother, Prince Andrew, marking a decisive step in the monarch’s efforts to distance the royal family from longstanding controversies.
According to an official statement released by Buckingham Palace on Thursday, the Duke of York will no longer be addressed as “Prince Andrew, Duke of York,” but instead as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor — using his family surname without any royal styling.
The statement also confirmed that Prince Andrew’s lease on Royal Lodge, his long-term residence on the Windsor estate, has been formally terminated.
The lease, which had reportedly provided him with certain legal protections, allowing him to continue residing there, has now been revoked, and formal notice has been served for him to vacate the property.
Andrew is expected to move into alternative private accommodation, marking a significant change in his living arrangements and royal privileges.
Buckingham Palace noted that these measures were taken “notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him.”
Although no new legal proceedings have been filed, Prince Andrew’s public standing has been deeply affected by allegations of sexual misconduct linked to the late American financier Jeffrey Epstein — allegations which Andrew has repeatedly denied.
In 2022, the prince settled a civil lawsuit in the United States brought by Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual assault when she was a minor. While the settlement did not include any admission of guilt, it effectively ended his public role within the royal family.
In a rare and direct statement, Buckingham 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 forms of abuse.”
The wording signals a continued commitment by the King and Queen to uphold accountability and compassion toward survivors—a tone consistent with King Charles’ broader effort to modernise the monarchy’s image and reinforce public trust.
Thursday’s decision is seen as the final step in a process that began in January 2022, when Queen Elizabeth II stripped Andrew of his military titles and royal patronages amid growing public criticism.
Today’s announcement formally ends his royal status and removes all remaining privileges, underscoring the seriousness with which King Charles is addressing reputational challenges within the Royal Family.
