The Monarch Formally Removes Prince Andrew of Royal Highness Title and Prince Title
In a definitive move, King Charles has officially stripped Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his HRH style and his title of prince.
These alterations were formalized by issuing royal documents under the Great Seal of the Realm, which were recorded in the UK's official public record.
The entry declared: “His Majesty has been pleased by letters patent under the Great Seal dated 3 November 2025 to declare that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor shall cease to be entitled to possess the style, title or attribute of ‘HRH’ and the honorific status of ‘Prince’.”
A separate entry affirmed the stripping 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 direct his secretary of state to cause the titleholder to be struck from the peerage roll.”
Background of the Decision
The decision follows increasing controversy over Andrew's connections to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, exacerbated by the posthumous publication of a memoir by Virginia Giuffre.
Giuffre claimed that she was sexually abused by the former prince after being trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein, claims that Andrew has consistently denied.
Mechanism of Title Removal
The king employed his monarchical powers—accepted rights held by the sovereign—after discussions with Cabinet Office officials, rather than through parliamentary means.
Letters patent and royal warrants are instruments of this authority, used to grant or remove honors and styles.
Since the Royal Highness designation is granted by letters patent, it can be revoked through the same process.
Additional Actions and Backing
After the palace statement, the lord chancellor was instructed to prepare the necessary documents for the title removals.
This action also involves Mountbatten Windsor giving up his lease on his Windsor residence, a 30-room Crown Estate property where he has lived for twenty years.
Officials endorsed the king's decision.
Exception
In spite of the stripping of honors, it was confirmed that Mountbatten Windsor will keep his Falklands service medal, granted for his role as a helicopter co-pilot during the Falklands conflict.
