Prince Andrew’s royal reign has formally come to an finish.
In a surprising and historic transfer, King Charles has stripped his youthful brother, Prince Andrew, of all royal titles — together with the title of “Prince” and “His Royal Highness.” Buckingham Palace confirmed the choice on Thursday, October 30, marking a serious step in distancing the monarchy from Andrew following years of controversy.
“His Majesty has at the moment initiated a proper course of to take away the Model, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew,” Buckingham Palace stated in an announcement. “Prince Andrew will now be often known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.”
The transfer means the Duke of York, 65, will not maintain any of his lifelong honors — together with his standing as a member of the Order of the Garter and Knight Grand Cross of the Victorian Order. He can even lose his residence at Royal Lodge in Windsor, the place he has lived for many years.
“His lease on Royal Lodge has, thus far, supplied him with authorized safety to proceed in residence. Formal discover has now been served to give up the lease, and he’ll transfer to various personal lodging,” the palace stated. “These censures are deemed crucial, however the truth that he continues to disclaim the allegations towards him.”
The assertion concluded with a message of assist for victims of abuse: “Their Majesties want to clarify that their ideas and utmost sympathies have been, and can stay with, the victims and survivors of any and all types of abuse.”
In response to Individuals, the choice was made solely by King Charles utilizing his Royal Prerogative — the monarch’s authority to revoke or grant royal titles with out the approval of Parliament. Palace insiders advised the outlet that the choice was totally supported by the royal household, together with Prince William, and got here after what the King reportedly considered as “critical lapses in judgment” on Andrew’s half.
Andrew has denied all allegations of sexual misconduct and wrongdoing, however his status was severely broken following his affiliation with the late financier and convicted intercourse offender Jeffrey Epstein. He stepped again from royal duties in 2019 and largely retreated from public life, however till now, he had retained his royal styling and titles.
The final time a member of the British royal household was formally stripped of titles was greater than a century in the past, underneath the Titles Deprivation Act of 1917, when Prince Ernest Augustus — a German-born British prince — misplaced his honors for swearing allegiance to Germany throughout World Struggle I. Even King Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne in 1936, was not stripped of his royal title however as a substitute granted the title Duke of Windsor by his brother, King George VI.
Prince Andrew’s daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will retain their titles as grandchildren of a monarch.
