Prince Andrew Stripped of All Royal Titles in Unprecedented Move; He’s Now Andrew Mountbatten Windsor
King Charles Strips Prince Andrew of All Royal Titles, Declares Him “Andrew Mountbatten Windsor”
In a historic and unprecedented decision, King Charles has officially removed all royal titles and honors from his younger brother, Prince Andrew, effectively ending his status as a prince and Duke of York — titles he has held since 1986.
Buckingham Palace confirmed the move in a statement released on Thursday, October 30, announcing that Andrew, 65, will now be known simply as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.
“His Majesty has today initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew,” the palace stated. “Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.”
Born a prince as the son of the late Queen Elizabeth II, Andrew was granted the title Duke of York, as well as Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh, upon his 1986 marriage to Sarah Ferguson. Those honors have now been revoked, including his prestigious appointments as a member of the Order of the Garter and Knight Grand Cross of the Victorian Order.
The announcement also confirmed that Andrew will lose his residence at the Royal Lodge in Windsor. His lease, which had previously protected his right to live there, is being terminated, and he will be relocated to private accommodation.
“These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him,” the statement read. “Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies remain with the victims and survivors of all forms of abuse.”
The decision, made under the King’s Royal Prerogative, does not require parliamentary approval. Royal sources told PEOPLE that King Charles personally decided to act, with the full support of other senior royals, including Prince William.
Prince Andrew’s royal downfall began in 2019 following his controversial BBC interview about his friendship with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The backlash forced him to step back from public duties. In January 2022, Queen Elizabeth II stripped him of his military titles and royal patronages after his attempt to dismiss Virginia Giuffre’s sexual assault lawsuit failed. He later settled the case privately.
Renewed public scrutiny followed the posthumous release of Giuffre’s memoir earlier this year, in which she accused Andrew of believing “having sex with me was his birthright.” Despite the allegations, Andrew continues to deny any wrongdoing.
The last comparable event in royal history occurred in 1917, when Prince Ernest Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, lost his British titles under the Titles Deprivation Act for supporting Germany during World War I. Even King Edward VIII, who abdicated in 1936, was not stripped of his royal titles but instead made Duke of Windsor.
Andrew’s daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will retain their royal titles, as permitted under King George V’s 1917 Letters Patent.
The move marks one of the most significant disciplinary actions ever taken within the modern British monarchy — a clear message from King Charles about accountability and the evolving standards of the royal family.
Andrew has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
