King Charles III has initiated formal steps to strip his younger brother, Prince Andrew, of all remaining royal titles and has ordered him to vacate Royal Lodge, his longtime home on the Windsor estate, Buckingham Palace announced on Thursday. Going forward, he will be known simply as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
The unprecedented decision comes amid renewed public anger over Andrew’s past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following the posthumous release of Virginia Giuffre’s memoir.
In the book, Giuffre—who died by suicide in April 2025—recounted allegations that she was trafficked and forced to have sex with Andrew multiple times when she was a minor.
She had previously settled a civil sexual assault lawsuit against the prince in 2022. Andrew continues to deny all allegations.
Buckingham Palace said the king acted out of necessity and in solidarity with survivors of abuse.
“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,” the statement read.
Andrew is expected to relocate to the Sandringham estate, with his accommodation privately funded by King Charles. His ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, will arrange separate living plans, while their daughters—Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie—will retain their titles and royal status.
The fallout has intensified in recent days following disclosures that Andrew paid a nominal rent on Royal Lodge for nearly 20 years and hosted Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein at the residence during Princess Beatrice’s 18th birthday celebration in 2006.
Buckingham Palace also confirmed that the UK government was consulted on the matter and that Andrew did not contest the king’s decision.
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