King Charles Officially Strips Andrew of Royal Highness Title and Princely Dignity
In a definitive action, King Charles has formally removed 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 published in the Gazette.
The entry stated: “His Majesty has been pleased by letters patent 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 style, title or attribute of ‘HRH’ and the honorific status of ‘Prince’.”
Another record affirmed the removal of the dukedom from the peerage list, with immediate effect.
The notice stated: “His Majesty has been pleased by royal warrant under his royal sign manual dated 30 October 2025 to instruct his government minister to cause the Duke of York to be struck from the peerage roll.”
Context of the Royal Action
This move follows increasing controversy over the former prince's links to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, including the posthumous publication of Virginia Giuffre's memoir.
The author claimed that she was sexually abused by the former prince after being trafficked by Epstein, allegations that Andrew has always strenuously denied.
Mechanism of Title Removal
Charles employed his monarchical powers—accepted authorities held by the monarch—following consultation with government advisers, instead of through legislative action.
Letters patent and warrants are instruments of this authority, used to bestow or remove titles and honors.
Because the Royal Highness designation is conferred by letters patent, it can be revoked through the same process.
Additional Measures and Support
After the initial announcement, the lord chancellor was instructed to prepare the necessary documents for the title removals.
This action also involves Mountbatten Windsor 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 confirmed that Andrew will keep his Falklands service medal, granted for his service as a Sea King helicopter co-pilot during the Falklands War.
