The British monarchy executed a momentous and unprecedented action in October 2025, officially revoking all remaining royal titles and honors held by Prince Andrew, the Duke of York. This decisive move was a direct response to the intense public outcry fueled by newly revealed details concerning his association with the convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. Buckingham Palace issued a statement clarifying that this measure was essential to safeguard the crown's impeccable image and demonstrate unwavering solidarity with victims of abuse.
Consequently, Andrew is now formally addressed as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, having forfeited the prefix “His Royal Highness,” which he had already ceased using in official capacities back in 2022. The monarch's decree also included the requirement that he vacate his substantial residence, Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, where he had resided for over two decades. Reports indicate that the relocation will be to private apartments situated on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, with King Charles III personally undertaking the private financing of his ongoing maintenance.
This comprehensive stripping of honors followed Andrew's own voluntary relinquishment on October 17 of the Duke of York title and several prestigious chivalric orders, notably the Order of the Garter. This decision was precipitated by sustained societal pressure, intensified by the publication of excerpts from the posthumous memoirs of Virginia Giuffre. Giuffre’s family hailed the outcome as a victory achieved through her “incredible courage and truth.” Experts in royal affairs have characterized this sequence of events as one of the most radical disciplinary actions taken against a senior member of the Royal Family in contemporary history.
Despite the loss of his royal status, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is set to receive substantial six-figure compensation alongside an annual allowance provided by the King to ensure his financial stability. Crucially, his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, will retain their current titles. This entire episode reflects a broader public demand for accountability and transparency, acting as a catalyst for reviewing established institutional structures. Polling data confirmed strong public support for the monarch’s actions: 79% of respondents approved of the decision, although 58% felt the reaction was unduly delayed.
The process of “purification” continued into November 2025. On November 2, UK Defence Secretary John Healey announced that the government was actively working to divest Andrew of his final honorary military rank: Vice Admiral of the Royal Navy. Healey confirmed that this action was undertaken at the direct request of King Charles III, emphasizing that it constituted “the right step.” It is important to note that Andrew served in the Royal Navy for 22 years, including his role as a military helicopter pilot during the Falklands War in 1982.