🔗 Share this article King Charles Officially Strips Andrew of HRH Style and Prince Title In a definitive move, King Charles has officially removed the former Duke of York of his Royal Highness attribute and his princely title. The changes were formalized by issuing letters patent under the Great Seal of the Realm, which were published in the Gazette. The entry 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 ‘Royal Highness’ and the titular dignity of ‘Prince of the realm’.” Another record affirmed the removal of the dukedom from the roll of peerage, effective immediately. The notice stated: “The king has been pleased by warrant under his royal sign manual dated 30 October 2025 to direct his secretary of state to ensure the titleholder to be struck from the peerage roll.” Background of the Royal Action The decision follows mounting controversy 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 sexually abused by the former prince after being trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein, claims that Mountbatten Windsor has consistently denied. Mechanism of Title Removal Charles employed his royal prerogative—recognized authorities held by the sovereign—after consultation with government advisers, instead of through parliamentary means. Letters patent and warrants are instruments of this authority, used to bestow or remove honors and styles. Because the Royal Highness designation is granted by letters patent, it can be revoked through the same instrument. Additional Actions and Backing After the palace statement, the senior legal official was directed to draft the necessary documents for the removal of titles. This action also involves Mountbatten Windsor relinquishing his tenancy on his Windsor residence, a thirty-room royal property where he has resided for twenty years. Officials fully supported the monarch's decision. Exception In spite of the stripping of honors, it was confirmed that Andrew will keep his South Atlantic medal, awarded for his service as a Sea King helicopter co-pilot during the Falklands conflict.