King Charles has formally begun the process of stripping Prince Andrew of his titles and honours, and has served notice for him to vacate his residence at Royal Lodge, Buckingham Palace confirmed.
The move follows fresh allegations surrounding Andrew’s connection to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, just days before the publication of Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir, Nobody’s Girl. The book includes explosive claims that Andrew slept with Giuffre on three occasions when she was a minor—allegations he has repeatedly denied.
On October 17, Andrew announced he would relinquish his titles in light of the renewed scrutiny. In a statement released by the Palace on October 30, officials confirmed that the formal removal process had now begun.
“His Majesty has today initiated a formal process to remove the style, titles, and honours of Prince Andrew,” the statement read. “His lease on Royal Lodge has, to date, provided him with legal protection to continue in residence. Formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease, and he will move to alternative private accommodation. These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him.”
Andrew currently shares the 30-room Royal Lodge estate with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. The lease originally allowed him to remain there until 2078. However, after the King’s directive, it is understood Andrew will relocate to a smaller property on the private Sandringham estate in Norfolk. The move will be privately funded by King Charles and is expected to take place as soon as possible.
Following the change, Andrew will be known simply as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
The Palace added: “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 titles and honours now removed include: Prince, Duke of York, Earl of Inverness, Baron Killyleagh, His Royal Highness, Order of the Garter, and Knight Grand Cross of the Victorian Order.
The King’s decision reportedly follows what royal aides have described as “serious lapses” in Andrew’s judgment, as public pressure intensified over his ties to Epstein.
In her memoir, Giuffre, who died by suicide in April aged 41, alleged that one encounter involved group sex with Epstein, Andrew, and several young girls. “Epstein, Andy, and approximately eight other young girls and I had sex together,” she wrote. “The other girls all appeared to be under the age of 18 and didn’t really speak English. Epstein laughed about how they couldn’t really communicate, saying they are the easiest girls to get along with.”
In February 2022, Andrew and Giuffre reached an out-of-court settlement in a U.S. civil case for an undisclosed amount, reported to be around £12 million.
