King Charles has decided to remove his younger brother Andrew from his royal titles and privileges, as well as expel him from Buckingham Palace, the palace announced on Thursday. This action follows mounting pressure to address Andrew’s association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The palace issued a formal notice to Andrew, instructing him to give up the lease of his residence, Royal Lodge, and relocate to a different private accommodation. Moving forward, Andrew will be referred to as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor rather than a prince.
Criticism had been escalating for the palace to dismiss Andrew from Royal Lodge since he renounced his title as Duke of York earlier this month due to his connection with Epstein and allegations from Virginia Roberts Giuffre, one of Epstein’s accusers. In a significant move, King Charles has also revoked Andrew’s prince title, which he held since birth as a child of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Despite Andrew’s denial of the allegations against him, the palace emphasized the necessity of these actions and expressed support for the victims of abuse. This decision marks a rare occurrence in British royal history, with the last similar event taking place in 1919.
During a BBC recording of “Question Time,” where the King’s decision was revealed, the audience responded with strong applause. This development comes amid renewed public scrutiny on Andrew, particularly after the release of Giuffre’s posthumous memoir detailing alleged encounters with him.
Andrew, still eighth in line to the throne, can only be removed from the line of succession through parliamentary action. Despite losing his royal titles and honors, his daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie will retain their titles due to their relation to a sovereign.
The palace mentioned that Andrew will no longer hold titles such as His Royal Highness, the Duke of York, Earl of Inverness, or Baron Killyleagh. Furthermore, his privileges, including the Order of the Garter and Knight Grand Cross of the Victorian Order, have been revoked.
Following his departure from Royal Lodge, Andrew is anticipated to reside at the King’s Sandringham estate and receive financial assistance from his brother. His former wife, Sarah Ferguson, who resided with him at Royal Lodge, will need to seek alternative housing arrangements.
