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Through a definitive move, the reigning monarch has formally stripped the former Duke of York of his Royal Highness attribute and his title of prince.

The changes were formalized by issuing letters patent under the official state seal, which were published in the Gazette.

The official notice declared: “His Majesty has been pleased by royal instruments under the Great Seal dated 3 November 2025 to declare that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor shall no longer be entitled to possess the style, title or attribute of ‘Royal Highness’ and the titular dignity of ‘Prince’.”

Another entry affirmed the stripping of the dukedom from the peerage list, effective immediately.

It read: “The king has been pleased by royal warrant under his royal sign manual dated 30 October 2025 to direct his government minister to cause the titleholder to be struck from the peerage roll.”

Background of the Royal Action

This decision follows mounting controversy over Andrew's connections to convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, exacerbated by the posthumous publication of a memoir by Virginia Giuffre.

Giuffre claimed that she was assaulted by Andrew after being brought by Jeffrey Epstein, allegations that Andrew has always denied.

Procedure of Title Removal

Charles employed his monarchical powers—accepted rights held by the monarch—after consultation with Cabinet Office officials, instead of through parliamentary means.

Royal instruments and warrants are instruments of this prerogative, used to grant or revoke honors and styles.

Because the Royal Highness designation is granted by letters patent, it can be withdrawn through the same process.

Further Actions and Support

Following the initial announcement, the senior legal official was directed to prepare the necessary documents for the title removals.

The decision also involves Mountbatten Windsor relinquishing his tenancy on Royal Lodge, a 30-room royal property where he has resided for twenty years.

Officials endorsed the monarch's decision.

Exception

Despite the stripping of honors, it was confirmed that Mountbatten Windsor will keep his South Atlantic medal, awarded for his role as a Sea King helicopter co-pilot during the Falklands conflict.