King Charles has formally removed Prince Andrew’s royal titles in a decisive move marking the end of his royal standing. Buckingham Palace announced that the Duke of York will now be known simply as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, confirming the King had “initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours” of his younger brother.
The decision comes after continued scrutiny over Andrew’s links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which have tarnished the image of the Royal Family. Despite his repeated denials of wrongdoing, public and political pressure to act grew in recent months.
Buckingham Palace’s statement also confirmed Andrew will vacate Royal Lodge, his longtime Windsor residence, and relocate to the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. The Palace emphasized that the action was “necessary,” with the King’s sympathies directed toward victims of abuse.
The move also affects Sarah Ferguson, Andrew’s ex-wife, who had been living with him at Royal Lodge. Ferguson, 66, lost her courtesy title earlier this month after Andrew’s “Duke of York” title was withdrawn. She will now make separate living arrangements and revert to her maiden name.
However, their daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie retain their titles and positions in the royal line of succession. As daughters of a sovereign’s son, they remain princesses under King George V’s 1917 Letters Patent, and their standing—currently ninth and twelfth—will not change.
While the King is expected to make “private provisions” for Andrew’s accommodation, royal sources say the decision underscores a new era of accountability within the monarchy. As one historian noted, “The Palace has drawn a firm line public opinion demanded it, and the King has acted.”
