King Charles Formally Strips Andrew of Royal Highness Title and Princely Dignity
In a definitive move, the reigning monarch has officially stripped Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his HRH style and his title of prince.
These alterations were made official by issuing royal documents under the official state seal, that have been recorded in the UK's official public record.
The official notice declared: “The king has been graciously inclined by letters patent under the Great Seal dated 3 November 2025 to declare that the individual in question shall no longer be entitled to possess the style, title or attribute of ‘Royal Highness’ and the titular dignity of ‘Prince’.”
A separate record affirmed the stripping of the Duke of York from the roll of peerage, with immediate effect.
The notice stated: “The king has been pleased to direct by warrant under his royal sign manual dated 30 October 2025 to instruct his secretary of state to cause the Duke of York to be removed from the roll of the peerage.”
Background of the Decision
The decision follows mounting scrutiny over Andrew's connections to convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including the release of a memoir by Virginia Giuffre.
The author claimed that she was assaulted by the former prince after being trafficked by Epstein, claims that Mountbatten Windsor has always strenuously denied.
Mechanism of Removing Titles
Charles utilized his royal prerogative—recognized rights held by the monarch—following consultation with government advisers, rather than through parliamentary means.
Letters patent and warrants are instruments of this prerogative, used to bestow or revoke honors and styles.
Because the HRH style is granted by such documents, it can be revoked through the same process.
Additional Actions and Support
Following the palace statement, the senior legal official was directed to draft the required paperwork for the title removals.
This action also involves Andrew giving up his lease on Royal Lodge, a thirty-room royal property where he has lived for two decades.
Officials fully supported the king's move.
Exception
Despite the stripping of honors, it was announced that Mountbatten Windsor will retain his South Atlantic medal, granted for his service as a Sea King helicopter co-pilot during the Falklands conflict.
