After weeks of mounting public scrutiny over Prince Andrew’s association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, King Charles has taken decisive action. The King will strip Andrew of his remaining royal titles and honours, and has ordered his removal from his long-held residence.

Buckingham Palace confirmed that a formal notice has been delivered to Prince Andrew, requiring him to surrender his lease at the Royal Lodge in Windsor—an estate he has occupied for decades. The decision follows ongoing pressure from both the public and political figures to distance the Royal Family from the reputational damage linked to Andrew’s ties to Epstein and the allegations raised by survivor Virginia Roberts Giuffre.

In an official statement, the Palace said:

“His Majesty has today initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew.

“Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. His lease on Royal Lodge has, until now, afforded him legal grounds to remain in residence. This protection has now ended. A formal notice to surrender the lease has been issued, and he will relocate to alternative private accommodation.

“These measures are necessary, irrespective of the fact that he continues to deny the allegations made against him.

“Their Majesties wish to emphasize that their deepest sympathies remain with the victims and survivors of all forms of abuse.”

It is understood that Andrew will move to accommodation on the Sandringham Estate, and that any future living arrangements will be privately funded by King Charles. The change required careful legal review and consultation within the Royal Family. Sources indicate that the King initiated the process himself and that Andrew did not oppose the final decision. The government was consulted and expressed its support, agreeing that the move was constitutionally appropriate.

The relocation is expected to be completed as soon as reasonably possible. Andrew will receive private financial provision from the King, though no further details have been disclosed.

A “Very Sad State of Affairs”
Political leaders have acknowledged the difficulty of the decision. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch described the situation as “a very sad state of affairs,” noting the emotional weight of a monarch taking such action against his own brother.

“It must have been incredibly hard,” she said in an interview. “But public expectations are higher than ever. People expect transparency, accountability, and the highest level of integrity from public figures. The Epstein scandal and the individuals linked to it have shown that the public will not accept any association with sexual exploitation, particularly involving minors.”

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey also voiced support for the decision.

“The King is absolutely right,” he said. “Prince Andrew’s position had become unsustainable. His continued presence in his former role and residence undermined trust in the Royal Family and the institutions it represents. This step is essential to restore credibility and signal that no individual is above accountability.”

This development marks one of the most significant disciplinary actions taken within the Royal Family in recent memory. For many, it reflects a broader shift toward preserving institutional integrity, even when it involves difficult decisions within the monarchy’s own ranks.