🔗 Share this article The Monarch Formally Removes Prince Andrew of HRH Style and Prince Title In a definitive move, King Charles has formally removed Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his Royal Highness attribute and his title of prince. The changes were formalized by issuing royal documents under the Great Seal of the Realm, that have been published in the Gazette. The official notice declared: “His Majesty has been graciously inclined by royal instruments under the Great Seal of the Realm dated 3 November 2025 to declare that the individual in question shall cease to be entitled to possess the designation of ‘HRH’ and the titular dignity of ‘Prince of the realm’.” Another entry affirmed the removal of the Duke of York from the roll of peerage, with immediate effect. It read: “His Majesty has been pleased to direct by royal warrant under his royal sign manual dated 30 October 2025 to direct his secretary of state to cause the titleholder to be removed from the peerage roll.” Background of the Decision The move follows increasing scrutiny over Andrew's connections to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, exacerbated by the posthumous publication of a memoir by Virginia Giuffre. The author alleged that she was sexually abused by the former prince after being trafficked by Epstein, claims that Andrew has always denied. Mechanism of Title Removal The king utilized his royal prerogative—recognized rights held by the monarch—after discussions with government advisers, rather than through legislative action. Letters patent and warrants are tools of this prerogative, used to grant or revoke honors and styles. Since the Royal Highness designation is granted by letters patent, it can be revoked through the same process. Further Measures and Backing After the palace statement, the lord chancellor was directed to draft the necessary documents for the title removals. The decision also includes Andrew relinquishing his tenancy on his Windsor residence, a 30-room Crown Estate property where he has resided for two decades. Officials endorsed the king's move. Exception Despite the loss of titles, it was confirmed that Mountbatten Windsor will keep his South Atlantic medal, granted for his service as a helicopter co-pilot during the Falklands conflict.