Prince Andrew stripped of his title and evicted from royal residence
Official statement from Buckingham Palace
Prince Andrew, the younger brother of the King of the United Kingdom, is being stripped of all his titles – including those granted to him by birthright. Formally, he will remain a member of the royal family, but will henceforth be referred to simply as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, according to an official statement from Buckingham Palace.
Furthermore, the second son of the late Queen Elizabeth II will vacate his apartments within Windsor Castle. As reported by the BBC, Andrew is expected to relocate to the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, with the King covering his living expenses.
The decision comes amid renewed controversy surrounding Andrew’s friendship with American financier Jeffrey Epstein, who died by suicide in prison in 2019 after being accused of sexually exploiting minors.
New details of Andrew’s relationship with Epstein have surfaced this week. According to media reports, in 2006 Andrew hosted Epstein, his then-partner Ghislaine Maxwell, and film producer Harvey Weinstein (later convicted of sexual offenses) at his Royal Lodge residence during the 18th birthday celebration of Princess Beatrice. Andrew continues to deny all allegations.
«These measures are unavoidable, despite his continued denials. Their Majesties deem it essential to emphasize that their thoughts and deepest sympathy remain with the victims and survivors of all forms of abuse», the Buckingham Palace statement reads.
Earlier in October, Andrew announced that he was renouncing his title as Duke of York. Back in 2022, he had already been stripped of most of his honors and relieved of his royal duties. However, the loss of his title does not remove him from the line of succession – he remains eighth in line to the British throne.
Andrew’s daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will retain their titles.
Photo: depositphotos.com
