By Dayo Ade Olusola|M10News| Royal Desk|30 October, 2025
King Charles III has officially launched the process to remove Prince Andrew’s remaining royal titles and honours, Buckingham Palace confirmed in a detailed statement on Wednesday evening.
The move comes amid renewed scrutiny of Andrew’s association with convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein and follows years of public pressure on the monarchy to act decisively.
Prince Andrew to Surrender Royal Lodge Residence
According to the Palace, the King has served formal notice for Prince Andrew to surrender his lease on the Royal Lodge, a 30-room mansion located in Windsor Great Park, where he has resided for decades alongside his former wife, Sarah Ferguson.
The statement explained that the lease had “to date provided him with legal protection to continue in residence,” but that such protections “can no longer be justified in light of ongoing reputational considerations.”
“Formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease and he will move to alternative private accommodation,” the Palace confirmed.
Sky News reports that the Duke of York who will now be styled as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is expected to move into a smaller home on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, with the costs of relocation privately funded by the King.
‘Necessary Censures’ Despite Denials
Buckingham Palace said the decision had not been taken lightly but was deemed “necessary to uphold the dignity of the Crown.”
“These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him,” the Palace said.
“Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”
The decision effectively ends Andrew’s royal privileges. He lost his HRH style and military titles in 2022, but until now had retained personal honours and the long-term lease on the Royal Lodge.
Giuffre Family Welcomes Palace Move
The announcement has been widely welcomed by the family of Virginia Giuffre, who accused Andrew of sexually assaulting her when she was a teenager allegations he has consistently denied.
Ms Giuffre, whose memoir was released posthumously earlier this month, launched a civil lawsuit in 2021, which was settled out of court for a reported £12 million.
In a statement shared with the media, the Giuffre family said:
“Today, an ordinary American girl from an ordinary American family brought down a British prince with her truth and extraordinary courage. Virginia never stopped fighting for accountability.”
The statement added: “We will continue Virginia’s battle and will not rest until the same accountability applies to all of the abusers and abettors connected to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.”
Public and Political Reaction
Public reaction to the King’s decision has been largely supportive, with campaigners describing it as a “long-overdue step” to restore the monarchy’s moral standing.
Anti-monarchy group Republic said the move was “symbolic but significant,” arguing that “no one, even in the royal family, should be above consequence.”
Political reaction, however, has been mixed. Some senior Conservatives suggested the timing so soon after Ms Giuffre’s memoir could “reignite public anger,” while Labour MPs said the King had acted “in the public interest.”
Background: Years of Royal Turmoil
Prince Andrew’s royal downfall began in 2019, when his BBC Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis was widely criticised for showing a lack of empathy toward victims of Epstein’s crimes.
In early 2022, Queen Elizabeth II stripped Andrew of his HRH style and military affiliations, though he retained his private honours and residence.
Since then, he has lived largely out of the public eye, reportedly spending his days between Windsor and Balmoral, focusing on personal business matters.
Andrew’s Continued Denial
Prince Andrew has repeatedly denied all allegations of sexual misconduct. In his 2019 interview, he insisted he had “no recollection whatever” of meeting Ms Giuffre and said his relationship with Epstein had been a “mistake.”
A source close to the Duke told M10News he was “deeply saddened” by the King’s decision but “respects the institution and his brother’s position as sovereign.”
“He intends to live quietly and privately and continues to maintain his innocence,” the source added.
Royal Family Seeks to Move Forward
Royal analysts say the move signals King Charles’s determination to protect the institution ahead of his second year on the throne.
“This is about the monarchy turning a page,” said Dr Laura Keating, a constitutional expert at King’s College London. “The King is making clear that royal accountability applies to everyone including his own family.”
What Happens Next
Prince Andrew’s new accommodation on the Sandringham estate is expected to be finalised before Christmas, though royal sources say discussions are still ongoing.
While the Palace insists the decision is “final and binding,” legal experts note that Andrew’s lease at the Royal Lodge was due to run until 2078, raising questions over possible compensation or a negotiated settlement.
For now, the royal family hopes the move will bring closure to a long-running chapter that has damaged its public image for years.
Editing by M10News Royal Desk | Contact: royal@m10news.com
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