While Andrew Mountbatten Windsor’s loss of his titles last month may appear shocking, history shows it’s not the first time a royal has given up status or duty.
The former prince was stripped of his dukedom, HRH title, and royal honours — including the Order of the Garter and his honorary naval rank — and was ordered to leave Royal Lodge by King Charles.
He now joins a long list of royals who have either been stripped of their titles or chosen to relinquish them, often due to scandal, marriage, or a desire for a simpler life.
Prince Andrew
In October 2025, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Andrew would no longer be referred to as “Prince Andrew” but instead as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. The decision came after renewed allegations tied to his connection with Jeffrey Epstein.
King Charles III announced that all of Andrew’s styles, titles, and honours were to be removed, and that he would vacate Royal Lodge. “Formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease,” the Palace stated. Andrew had already stepped back from public duties in 2019 following earlier controversy.
Princess Mako of Japan
In 2021, Princess Mako, niece of Emperor Naruhito, gave up her title to marry her longtime partner Kei Komuro, a commoner. Their engagement faced harsh public scrutiny, but Mako expressed relief to “start a new life” after their quiet registry office wedding.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex shocked the world in 2020 when they stepped down as senior royals. After a brief stay in Canada, they settled in California with their children, Archie and Lilibet. Though they retained their titles, they no longer represent the Crown officially.
The Duke and Duchess of Windsor
Perhaps the most famous abdication came in 1936 when King Edward VIII gave up the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcée.
“I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility without the support of the woman I love,” he said in his broadcast address. Edward was granted the title Duke of Windsor but was denied a royal role thereafter.
Princess Märtha Louise of Norway
In 2019, Princess Märtha Louise stopped using her title for business purposes after controversy over a speaking tour with her partner, Shaman Durek Verrett.
She later relinquished her royal patronages altogether. Although she retained her princess title, she no longer represents the Norwegian Royal House. In 2024, she married Durek, who was not given a royal title.
