The Monarch Officially Strips Andrew of Royal Highness Title and Prince Title
Through a definitive move, King Charles has formally stripped Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his Royal Highness attribute and his title of prince.
The changes were made official by publishing letters patent under the Great Seal of the Realm, which were recorded in the UK's official public record.
The official notice declared: “His Majesty has been graciously inclined by royal instruments 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’.”
Another entry affirmed the removal of the dukedom from the roll of peerage, effective immediately.
The notice stated: “The king has been pleased to direct by royal warrant under his royal sign manual dated 30 October 2025 to direct his secretary of state to cause the titleholder to be removed from the peerage roll.”
Background of the Royal Action
This decision comes after mounting controversy over the former prince's connections to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, including the release of Virginia Giuffre's memoir.
Giuffre claimed that she was assaulted by Andrew after being brought by Jeffrey Epstein, allegations that Mountbatten Windsor has always denied.
Procedure of Title Removal
The king employed his royal prerogative—accepted authorities held by the sovereign—following consultation with Cabinet Office officials, rather than through legislative action.
Royal instruments and warrants are instruments of this authority, used to bestow or revoke honors and styles.
Since the HRH style is conferred by letters patent, it can be withdrawn through the same process.
Additional Measures and Backing
Following the initial announcement, the senior legal official was instructed to prepare the necessary documents for the removal of titles.
The decision also includes Mountbatten Windsor relinquishing his lease on Royal Lodge, a 30-room Crown Estate property where he has resided for two decades.
The government fully supported the king's move.
Retained Honor
In spite of the stripping of honors, it was confirmed that Andrew will keep his South Atlantic medal, awarded for his service as a Sea King helicopter co-pilot during the Falklands conflict.