In the wake of renewed controversy over his ties with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Britain’s King Charles has taken a decisive step — stripping his brother, Prince Andrew, of his royal title and ordering him to vacate his Windsor residence, the historic Royal Lodge.
According to a statement issued by Buckingham Palace on Thursday night, Andrew will now be known simply as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. The King has formally initiated the process to revoke all of Andrew’s royal titles, honors, and privileges.
Earlier this month, Andrew had already relinquished his title of Duke of York and other royal designations following public criticism over his private life. The latest backlash intensified after the posthumous publication of Virginia Giuffre’s memoir, in which she reiterated allegations that she had sexual encounters with Prince Andrew three times while she was still a minor — claims Andrew has consistently denied.
The BBC reports that, despite his continued denials, the royal family considered such disciplinary measures necessary to uphold the dignity of the monarchy.
Andrew, who had lived at Royal Lodge since 2004, has been served notice to vacate the property. He is expected to move to a private residence on the Sandringham Estate, with King Charles reportedly covering his expenses.
Andrew’s two daughters, Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, will retain their royal titles. Andrew, however, remains eighth in line to the British throne. His former wife, Sarah Ferguson, must also leave Royal Lodge and will live separately.
In a statement, Giuffre’s family said, “Through truth and extraordinary courage, she has brought down a British prince.”
This development is being viewed as one of the most significant blows to the British monarchy’s reputation in recent times.