King Charles Officially Removes Andrew of HRH Style and Prince Title
In a decisive action, King Charles has formally removed the former Duke of York of his Royal Highness attribute and his title of prince.
These alterations were formalized by issuing royal documents under the Great Seal of the Realm, that have been published in the UK's official public record.
The official notice declared: “The king has been pleased by royal instruments under the Great Seal dated 3 November 2025 to declare that the individual in question shall no longer be entitled to hold and enjoy the designation of ‘Royal Highness’ and the honorific status of ‘Prince’.”
A separate record affirmed the removal of the Duke of York from the peerage list, effective immediately.
It read: “The king has been pleased by royal warrant under his signature dated 30 October 2025 to direct his secretary of state to ensure the titleholder to be removed from the roll of the peerage.”
Context of the Decision
This decision comes after increasing scrutiny over the former prince's connections to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, including the release of a memoir by Virginia Giuffre.
The author claimed that she was assaulted by Andrew after being trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein, allegations that Mountbatten Windsor has always denied.
Procedure of Removing Titles
The king utilized his monarchical powers—accepted authorities held by the monarch—after consultation with Cabinet Office officials, rather than through parliamentary means.
Royal instruments and warrants are tools of this prerogative, used to grant or remove honors and styles.
Because the Royal Highness designation is granted by letters patent, it can be withdrawn through the same instrument.
Further Measures and Backing
Following the palace statement, the senior legal official was directed to draft the required paperwork for the title removals.
The decision also includes Mountbatten Windsor relinquishing his lease on Royal Lodge, a thirty-room royal property where he has lived for twenty years.
Officials endorsed the monarch's decision.
Retained Honor
In spite of the loss of titles, it was announced that Mountbatten Windsor will keep his South Atlantic medal, awarded for his role as a helicopter co-pilot during the Falklands conflict.
