King Charles Formally Removes Andrew of HRH Style and Prince Title
Through a decisive action, the reigning monarch has officially stripped the former Duke of York of his HRH style and his title of prince.
The changes were made official by issuing royal documents under the Great Seal of the Realm, which were recorded in the Gazette.
The official notice stated: “His Majesty has been graciously inclined by royal instruments under the Great Seal of the Realm dated 3 November 2025 to declare that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor shall cease to be entitled to hold and enjoy the designation of ‘Royal Highness’ and the honorific status of ‘Prince’.”
Another entry confirmed the stripping of the Duke of York from the peerage list, effective immediately.
It read: “His Majesty has been pleased by warrant under his royal sign manual dated 30 October 2025 to direct his government minister to ensure the Duke of York to be struck from the roll of the peerage.”
Background of the Decision
This decision comes after mounting controversy over the former prince's connections to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, including the posthumous publication of Virginia Giuffre's memoir.
The author alleged that she was assaulted by Andrew after being brought by Epstein, claims that Mountbatten Windsor has always denied.
Procedure of Title Removal
The king employed his monarchical powers—accepted authorities held by the sovereign—following consultation with Cabinet Office officials, instead of through parliamentary means.
Letters patent and warrants are instruments of this prerogative, used to grant or revoke titles and honors.
Since the HRH style is conferred by such documents, it can be revoked through the same instrument.
Additional Actions and Support
Following the palace statement, the senior legal official was directed to prepare the necessary documents for the title removals.
The decision also includes Andrew relinquishing his lease on his Windsor residence, a thirty-room Crown Estate property where he has lived for two decades.
The government fully supported the king's decision.
Exception
Despite the stripping of honors, it was announced that Mountbatten Windsor will keep his Falklands service medal, awarded for his service as a helicopter co-pilot during the Falklands War.
