King Charles Officially Removes Prince Andrew of Royal Highness Title and Prince Title
In a decisive move, the reigning monarch has formally stripped Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his HRH style and his title of prince.
The changes were made official by issuing royal documents under the Great Seal of the Realm, that have been recorded in the Gazette.
The official notice stated: “His Majesty has been pleased by royal instruments under the Great Seal dated 3 November 2025 to declare that the individual in question shall no longer be entitled to hold and enjoy the designation of ‘HRH’ and the honorific status of ‘Prince’.”
A separate record confirmed the removal of the dukedom from the peerage list, with immediate effect.
It read: “The king has been pleased by warrant under his royal sign manual dated 30 October 2025 to instruct his government minister to cause the titleholder to be struck from the roll of the peerage.”
Background of the Royal Action
The decision follows mounting scrutiny over the former prince's links to convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, exacerbated by the posthumous publication of a memoir by Virginia Giuffre.
Giuffre claimed that she was assaulted by the former prince after being brought by Epstein, allegations that Andrew has consistently strenuously denied.
Mechanism of Title Removal
Charles utilized his royal prerogative—accepted rights held by the monarch—following consultation with Cabinet Office officials, instead of through parliamentary means.
Royal instruments and royal warrants are tools of this prerogative, used to bestow or revoke titles and honors.
Since the Royal Highness designation is granted by such documents, it can be revoked through the same instrument.
Additional Actions and Backing
After the palace statement, the lord chancellor was instructed to draft the necessary documents for the removal of titles.
The decision also includes Andrew relinquishing his tenancy on his Windsor residence, a thirty-room Crown Estate property where he has resided for two decades.
Officials endorsed the king's move.
Exception
In spite of the loss of titles, it was announced that Andrew will retain his Falklands service medal, awarded for his service as a helicopter co-pilot during the Falklands conflict.