In a sweeping move that underscores his resolve to protect the monarchy’s integrity, King Charles III has stripped his younger brother, Prince Andrew, of all royal titles and ordered him to vacate his longtime residence on the Windsor estate.
Buckingham Palace confirmed the decision in a statement on Thursday, saying the Duke of York will henceforth be known simply as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. The palace added that the King has initiated the formal process to remove all of Andrew’s remaining titles and privileges.
Andrew, 65, has also been instructed to leave his home on the grounds of Windsor Castle, where he has lived for decades, and relocate to “alternative private accommodation” as soon as possible.
“These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him,” the statement read. “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 announcement follows renewed outrage over fresh accusations of sexual assault made by Virginia Giuffre—one of Jeffrey Epstein’s main accusers—detailed in her newly released posthumous memoir. Giuffre, who died by suicide in April at the age of 41, had long alleged that Epstein trafficked her to have sex with Andrew on three occasions, including twice when she was just 17.
Sources close to the palace said Andrew did not contest the King’s decision and that the UK government had been consulted prior to the announcement.
Giuffre’s family welcomed the move, telling the BBC that “today, she declares a victory.”
Epstein himself died by suicide in a U.S. prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges.
