King Charles Officially Strips Prince Andrew of Royal Highness Title and Princely Dignity
In a definitive action, the reigning monarch has formally removed the former Duke of York of his HRH style and his title of prince.
These alterations were made official by publishing letters patent under the Great Seal of the Realm, that have been published in the Gazette.
The entry declared: “His Majesty has been graciously inclined by letters patent under the Great Seal dated 3 November 2025 to declare that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor shall cease to be entitled to possess the style, title or attribute of ‘Royal Highness’ and the titular dignity of ‘Prince’.”
A separate record affirmed the removal of the dukedom from the peerage list, with immediate effect.
It read: “The king has been pleased by royal warrant under his royal sign manual dated 30 October 2025 to instruct his secretary of state to ensure the Duke of York to be struck from the roll of the peerage.”
Context of the Decision
This decision comes after increasing scrutiny over the former prince's links to convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, exacerbated by the posthumous publication of Virginia Giuffre's memoir.
Giuffre alleged that she was assaulted by Andrew after being brought by Epstein, allegations that Andrew has consistently denied.
Mechanism of Removing Titles
The king employed his royal prerogative—recognized authorities held by the sovereign—after consultation with Cabinet Office officials, instead of through parliamentary means.
Letters patent and royal warrants are instruments of this prerogative, used to bestow or remove titles and honors.
Because the HRH style is conferred by such documents, it can be withdrawn through the same process.
Further Measures and Support
Following the palace statement, the lord chancellor was instructed to draft the necessary documents for the title removals.
The decision also includes Mountbatten Windsor giving up his tenancy on his Windsor residence, a 30-room Crown Estate property where he has resided for two decades.
Officials fully supported the king's move.
Retained Honor
Despite the loss of titles, it was announced that Mountbatten Windsor will retain his South Atlantic medal, granted for his role as a helicopter co-pilot during the Falklands conflict.
