Buckingham Palace has announced that Prince Andrew has been stripped of his royal titles and honours, and will soon vacate his Windsor residence, the Royal Lodge.
In a decisive move, King Charles formally removed his brother’s royal styles, citing “serious lapses of judgment” in relation to Andrew’s association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The disgraced royal will henceforth be known simply as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.
While Andrew continues to deny any wrongdoing, the Palace said the King’s decision was necessary “notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him.” The statement added that Their Majesties’ “thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain, with the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”
Royal Lodge Eviction and Relocation
Buckingham Palace confirmed that a formal notice has been served for Andrew to surrender his lease at Royal Lodge in Windsor. He is expected to move “as soon as practicable” to a smaller residence on the Sandringham Estate, which will be privately funded by the King.
Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, who has shared the Royal Lodge with him despite their 1996 divorce, will also vacate the property and make separate living arrangements.
Support and Reactions
Sources close to the Palace said the decision was taken by King Charles with full backing from the royal family, including Prince William. The UK government also endorsed the move as “constitutionally proper.”
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey applauded the King’s action, calling it “an important step towards rebuilding trust in our institutions and drawing a line under this whole sorry saga.”
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described the decision as “very difficult but right,” adding that “the public has no tolerance for any association with sexual abuse, especially involving minors.”
Financial Arrangements
While Andrew will lose his grace-and-favour home and royal privileges, the King is expected to make a private financial provision for his brother. Any additional income, however, will be “a matter for the former Duke,” the Palace said.
Andrew’s finances have long been described as opaque, with royal analysts previously noting that his income remains “shrouded in impenetrability.”
The move marks a new and unprecedented chapter in the monarchy’s efforts to distance itself from controversy and restore public confidence in the royal family’s integrity.
