King Charles strips Prince Andrew of all royal titles amid Epstein fallout

King Charles III has formally begun the process of removing all remaining royal titles, styles, and honours from his younger brother, Prince Andrew, in what Buckingham Palace has described as “a necessary act of censure.”

In a statement released on Thursday, 30 October 2025, the Palace confirmed that the Duke of York will no longer hold any royal title and will henceforth be known simply as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

The announcement follows years of scrutiny over the prince’s association with the late American financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and marks the strongest disciplinary move taken by the monarch since his accession.

“These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him,” the Palace said.

“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 Palace also revealed that Andrew’s lease at the Royal Lodge, his long-time residence on the Windsor estate, has been terminated. The property—once a cornerstone of his royal privileges—will revert to Crown Estate management, and the prince is expected to relocate to “alternative private accommodation” within weeks.

The decision ends months of speculation about the Duke’s future role within the royal family and his standing in public life.

The timing of the announcement coincides with renewed outrage over a posthumous memoir by Virginia Giuffre, the American woman who accused Andrew of sexually assaulting her when she was a teenager. Giuffre, 41, was found dead by suicide in April, just months before her book’s release.

In a statement on Thursday, Giuffre’s family said, “Today, an ordinary American girl, from an ordinary American family, brought down a British prince with her truth and extraordinary courage.”

Her brother, Sky Roberts, told CNN’s Kaitlan Collins the moment was “both joyous and sad.” “She should be here. She should be having this interview with you,” he said.

Earlier this month, Andrew relinquished his final royal patronages and his title as Duke of York amid renewed calls for accountability. The Palace’s latest move effectively severs his remaining ties to royal status and solidifies King Charles’s determination to protect the integrity of the monarchy.

Royal analysts say the decision sets a new precedent in the modern monarchy — one that reflects the King’s commitment to maintaining moral authority and public trust amid an era of heightened scrutiny.

Andrew has consistently denied all allegations made against him.