In a dramatic and unprecedented move, King Charles III has officially begun the process of stripping Prince Andrew of all royal titles and has ordered his removal from the Royal Lodge, his long-time residence within Windsor Great Park.
According to a statement issued by Buckingham Palace on Thursday, the decision comes after Andrew’s continued failure to quell the scandal surrounding his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, reports CNN.
Public scrutiny has reignited following the release of the posthumous memoirs of Virginia Giuffre, Andrew’s accuser, titled “Nobody’s Girl.” In the book, Giuffre alleges that Andrew sexually abused her when she was a teenager, claims the Duke has repeatedly denied, insisting he never met her.
“His Majesty has today initiated formal procedures to remove Prince Andrew’s style, titles, and honors. From now on, he will be known simply as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor,” the statement read.
“His tenancy at the Royal Lodge — which had previously offered him legal protection to remain there — is now being terminated. He will be relocated to private accommodation elsewhere. These measures are considered necessary, regardless of his continued denial of the allegations.
Their Majesties wish to make clear that their deepest thoughts and sympathies remain with the victims and survivors of all forms of abuse.”
Earlier this month, Andrew attempted to defuse tensions by voluntarily ceasing the use of his titles, but the effort did little to calm public outrage.
Questions have also resurfaced about how the prince financed the multi-million dollar civil settlement with Giuffre in 2022 and managed to maintain his lavish lifestyle despite no longer being an active member of the Royal Family since 2019.
Public anger intensified last week after revelations that Andrew paid only $1 million in 2003 for the Royal Lodge, a property at the heart of Windsor Great Park, and has since been paying a merely symbolic rent “if required.”
This latest action by King Charles signals a clear attempt to protect the monarchy’s integrity and distance the Royal Family from one of its most damaging scandals in recent history.
