The Monarch Officially Strips Andrew of HRH Style and Prince Title
In a decisive move, King Charles has formally removed the former Duke of York of his HRH style and his title of prince.
The changes were formalized by issuing letters patent under the official state seal, which were recorded in the UK's official public record.
The official notice stated: “The king has been graciously inclined by royal instruments under the Great Seal of the Realm dated 3 November 2025 to declare that the individual in question shall no longer be entitled to possess the style, title or attribute of ‘HRH’ and the honorific status of ‘Prince’.”
A separate record affirmed the stripping of the Duke of York from the roll of peerage, with immediate effect.
The notice stated: “His Majesty has been pleased by warrant under his royal sign manual dated 30 October 2025 to instruct his secretary of state to cause the titleholder to be struck from the peerage roll.”
Background of the Decision
The move comes after mounting scrutiny over the former prince's connections to convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, exacerbated by the release of a memoir by Virginia Giuffre.
The author alleged that she was sexually abused by Andrew after being trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein, claims that Mountbatten Windsor has always strenuously denied.
Procedure of Removing Titles
The king employed his royal prerogative—recognized authorities held by the monarch—after consultation with government advisers, rather than through parliamentary means.
Royal instruments and warrants are tools of this authority, used to bestow or revoke titles and honors.
Because the Royal Highness designation is granted by such documents, it can be revoked through the same process.
Additional Actions and Backing
After the palace statement, the lord chancellor was instructed to draft the necessary documents for the title removals.
This action also includes Mountbatten Windsor giving up his tenancy on his Windsor residence, a 30-room royal property where he has resided for twenty years.
The government endorsed the king's move.
Exception
In spite of the stripping of honors, it was announced that Andrew will keep his Falklands service medal, awarded for his role as a Sea King helicopter co-pilot during the Falklands conflict.
