Prince Andrew Stripped of Royal Titles in Unprecedented Move by King Charles
Prince Andrew has officially lost all of his royal titles, including the title of “Prince,” in a historic decision made by King Charles today, October 30, 2025.
Buckingham Palace announced that Andrew, 65, will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, and has been formally removed from his positions as His Royal Highness, Duke of York, Earl of Inverness, and Baron Killyleagh. “His Majesty has today initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew,” the palace stated. The move also includes the removal of Andrew’s Order of the Garter and Knight Grand Cross of the Victorian Order. This decision marks a significant departure from royal tradition and underscores the monarchy’s efforts to distance itself from ongoing controversy.
The action comes amid renewed scrutiny regarding Prince Andrew’s association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and allegations of sexual assault, which he continues to deny. Formal notice has also been served for Andrew to surrender his lease at Royal Lodge in Windsor, requiring him to relocate to private accommodation. King Charles is exercising his Royal Prerogative, a power allowing the monarch to manage royal titles without parliamentary approval, to enact these changes. For context, the last time a royal title was formally stripped was in 1917, during World War I, when Prince Ernest Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, swore allegiance to Germany. You can learn more about the Royal Prerogative here.
The palace emphasized that “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.” While Andrew previously stepped back from public duties in 2019 and announced he would cease using his royal titles, he retained them until today’s announcement. His daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will retain their titles, consistent with the rules established by King George V in 1917, as detailed in this document.
Officials have indicated that the formal process of relinquishing the lease at Royal Lodge will begin immediately, and the palace will provide further updates as appropriate.
