King Charles strips Prince Andrew of royal titles over minor rape case accusation

In a historic and unprecedented move, Britain’s King Charles has stripped his brother, Prince Andrew, of his royal titles and ordered his eviction from the Windsor estate. Buckingham Palace described the decision as part of “necessary censures,” marking one of the most significant rifts in the British monarchy in recent decades.

The action comes amid renewed outrage over Andrew’s association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, reignited by a posthumous memoir from Virginia Giuffre, who accused Andrew of sexually assaulting her as a teenager. Giuffre, who died earlier this year, had reached a settlement with Andrew in 2022. The Palace’s announcement formally ends Andrew’s use of the title “Prince,” and he will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. His lease at the Royal Lodge in Windsor has been terminated, and he will relocate to privately funded accommodation on the Sandringham estate.

Buckingham Palace said the move was made “notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him,” adding that the King’s decision was guided by a need to protect the integrity of the monarchy. Public anger had grown over revelations of Andrew’s long-term lease at Royal Lodge and his continued royal privileges despite stepping back from public duties in 2019.

Anti-monarchy groups have since called for Andrew to face legal scrutiny, with Republic confirming plans to pursue private prosecution over alleged sexual misconduct and misuse of public office. Despite the removal of his titles, Andrew remains eighth in line to the British throne. His daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will retain their royal status under existing protocols.