LONDON (FN) — King Charles III has formally stripped his younger brother, Prince Andrew, of all remaining royal titles and honors, marking a dramatic final chapter in the Duke of York’s fall from grace. The move, announced Thursday, severs Andrew’s official ties to the monarchy and rebrands him as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
The decision follows years of public scrutiny over Andrew’s association with convicted American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and allegations of sexual abuse made by Virginia Giuffre, who claims she was trafficked to Andrew as a teenager. Andrew has consistently denied the allegations and settled a civil lawsuit with Giuffre in 2022 without admitting guilt.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that Andrew will no longer be referred to as “His Royal Highness” and must vacate his longtime residence at the Royal Lodge in Windsor. The palace emphasized that the decision reflects the monarchy’s commitment to accountability and public trust.
Giuffre’s family welcomed the king’s action, calling it a “historic victory” for survivors of abuse. “An ordinary American girl from an ordinary American family brought down a British prince with her truth and extraordinary courage,” the family said in a statement.
Andrew, 65, was once considered one of the more popular members of the royal family, known for his military service in the Falklands War and his role as a trade envoy. His public life began to unravel in 2019 following a disastrous BBC interview in which he failed to express empathy for Epstein’s victims and offered questionable explanations for his own conduct.
The interview prompted widespread backlash and led to Andrew’s withdrawal from public duties. He was later stripped of military affiliations and patronages, though he retained his title and residence until this week’s announcement.
Royal sources say King Charles III made the decision after consulting senior advisors and considering the long-term impact on the monarchy’s reputation. The move is seen as part of a broader effort to modernize the institution and distance it from scandal.
Andrew is reportedly cooperating with the transition and has pledged not to publish a memoir or engage in media appearances. He will continue to live a private life, though questions remain about his future financial arrangements and public role.
The Epstein scandal has cast a long shadow over global elites, with Andrew’s downfall serving as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked privilege and poor judgment. His removal from royal status underscores the monarchy’s evolving stance on accountability in the post-Elizabethan era.
As of Friday, Andrew’s name has been removed from official royal websites and documents. He is expected to relocate to a private estate in Berkshire, where he will live outside the public eye.
