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In a decisive action, King Charles has formally removed Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his HRH style and his title of prince.

The changes were made official by issuing royal documents under the official state seal, which were recorded in the Gazette.

The official notice declared: “His Majesty has been pleased by letters patent under the Great Seal dated 3 November 2025 to declare that the individual in question shall cease to be entitled to hold and enjoy the designation of ‘HRH’ and the titular dignity of ‘Prince of the realm’.”

Another record affirmed the stripping of the dukedom from the roll of peerage, effective immediately.

It read: “His Majesty has been pleased by 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 peerage roll.”

Context of the Royal Action

This move follows mounting controversy over Andrew's connections to convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, exacerbated by the posthumous publication of a memoir by Virginia Giuffre.

The author alleged that she was sexually abused by the former prince after being brought by Jeffrey Epstein, claims that Mountbatten Windsor has consistently denied.

Procedure of Removing Titles

Charles utilized his royal prerogative—recognized rights held by the sovereign—after consultation with Cabinet Office officials, rather than through parliamentary means.

Royal instruments and royal warrants are instruments of this prerogative, used to grant or remove titles and honors.

Since the Royal Highness designation is conferred by such documents, it can be withdrawn through the same instrument.

Further Actions and Backing

After the palace statement, the senior legal official was instructed to prepare the necessary documents for the title removals.

The decision also includes Andrew giving up his lease on his Windsor residence, a 30-room Crown Estate property where he has lived for twenty years.

Officials endorsed the monarch's decision.

Exception

Despite the stripping of honors, it was announced that Mountbatten Windsor will keep his Falklands service medal, granted for his role as a helicopter co-pilot during the Falklands War.