King Charles III has initiated a formal process to strip his brother Prince Andrew of his royal titles and ordered him to surrender his lease at Royal Lodge, Buckingham Palace confirmed Thursday. The move marks the most decisive step yet by the monarch to distance the Crown from scandal amid renewed scrutiny of Andrew's ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
"His Majesty has today initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew," Buckingham Palace said in a statement. "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 statement continued, "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."
The decision follows the release of Nobody's Girl, the posthumous memoir of Virginia Giuffre, who accused Andrew of sexually assaulting her when she was 17. Giuffre wrote that Ghislaine Maxwell had told her she would meet a "handsome prince," later identifying Andrew, who allegedly said, "My daughters are just a little younger than you." Giuffre died by suicide in April at the age of 41. Andrew has consistently denied the allegations and said he has "no recollection whatever" of meeting her.
Buckingham Palace sources told CNN and Sky News that the King's action followed consultations with senior royals, including Prince William, and that the British government had been informed and expressed support. "It is understood the palace acted because while it acknowledges that Andrew continues to deny all allegations made against him, it is clear that he made serious lapses of judgement," one official said.
Andrew, 65, is expected to move to a smaller residence on the King's private Sandringham estate in Norfolk, with his accommodation privately funded by the monarch. His ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, who lost her Duchess of York title earlier this month, will make her own living arrangements. Their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will retain their titles under the 1917 royal decree defining the styles of sovereigns' children.
The King's order begins the process to remove Andrew's titles of Duke of York, Earl of Inverness, and Baron Killyleagh, as well as honours including his membership in the Order of the Garter and Knight Grand Cross of the Victorian Order. Rather than pursue an act of Parliament, Charles will issue royal warrants to finalize the changes once the process concludes.
Andrew, who stepped down from public duties in 2019, has long faced backlash over his friendship with Epstein. He settled Giuffre's civil sexual assault case in 2022 for an estimated £12 million ($14.5 million) without admitting wrongdoing. His favourable lease terms at Royal Lodge-secured for £1 million in 2003 with only a token annual rent "if demanded"-also sparked public criticism.
Virginia Giuffre's family welcomed the King's move, saying in a statement that she "brought down a British prince with her truth and extraordinary courage." The family added, "Our sister, a child when she was sexually assaulted by Andrew, never stopped fighting for accountability for what had happened to her and to countless other survivors like her. Today, she declares victory."
