King Charles Officially Strips Prince Andrew of Royal Highness Title and Princely Dignity
Through a definitive move, King Charles has officially stripped Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his HRH style and his title of prince.
The changes were made official by publishing royal documents under the Great Seal of the Realm, that have been published in the Gazette.
The official notice stated: “The king has been pleased by letters patent 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 style, title or attribute of ‘Royal Highness’ and the honorific status of ‘Prince’.”
Another record confirmed the removal of the dukedom from the roll of peerage, with immediate effect.
The notice stated: “The king has been pleased by royal warrant under his signature dated 30 October 2025 to instruct his government minister to cause the Duke of York to be struck from the peerage roll.”
Context of the Decision
The decision comes after mounting controversy over Andrew's connections to convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, exacerbated by the release of Virginia Giuffre's memoir.
The author alleged that she was assaulted by the former prince after being brought by Jeffrey Epstein, allegations that Mountbatten Windsor has consistently denied.
Procedure of Removing Titles
The king employed his royal prerogative—accepted authorities held by the monarch—after consultation with government advisers, instead of through parliamentary means.
Royal instruments and royal warrants are instruments of this prerogative, used to bestow or revoke titles and honors.
Since the HRH style is granted by such documents, it can be revoked through the same instrument.
Further Measures and Backing
After the initial announcement, the lord chancellor was directed to draft the necessary documents for the title removals.
The decision also involves Mountbatten Windsor giving up his lease on Royal Lodge, a 30-room royal property where he has resided for twenty years.
The government fully supported the monarch's move.
Retained Honor
In spite of the stripping of honors, it was confirmed that Andrew will keep his South Atlantic medal, granted for his role as a helicopter co-pilot during the Falklands War.
