In a historic and unprecedented royal development, Prince Andrew has been stripped of his titles and honors and instructed to leave his Windsor residence, Royal Lodge. He will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, marking one of the most dramatic shifts in royal status in modern history.
A formal notice has been served directing Andrew to surrender his lease at Royal Lodge, ending his long-standing residence there. He is now expected to relocate to the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, with his accommodation privately funded from now on.
This move comes amid renewed global scrutiny of Andrew’s association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and resurfaced allegations from Virginia Giuffre. Giuffre accused Andrew of sexual misconduct when she was a teenager, claims which he has consistently denied. The civil case brought against him in 2021 was settled privately with an agreement believed to be around £12 million.
The family of Giuffre, who died earlier this year, stated that “an ordinary girl brought down a prince with her truth and extraordinary courage,” reflecting the emotional and historic weight of this decision.
Andrew’s honors include the style “His Royal Highness,” the Order of the Garter, and the Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order. Officials said the decision followed serious lapses in judgment and growing public concern, as the scrutiny around Andrew risked overshadowing royal duties and damaging the institution’s reputation.
Despite the dramatic downgrade in royal status, his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will retain their royal titles. Sarah Ferguson, previously Duchess of York, will make independent living arrangements.
The development is regarded as one of the most decisive royal actions in modern history, comparable only to rare instances in the past where royal titles were removed. It marks a final closing chapter in Prince Andrew’s public royal life as he steps away permanently from royal duties and formal privileges.
