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Through a definitive move, King Charles has officially removed 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 recorded in the UK's official public record.

The official notice stated: “The king has been pleased by royal instruments under the Great Seal of the Realm dated 3 November 2025 to declare that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor shall no longer be entitled to possess the designation of ‘HRH’ and the honorific status of ‘Prince’.”

A separate record confirmed the removal of the dukedom from the roll of peerage, effective immediately.

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

Context of the Royal Action

The decision follows mounting scrutiny over the former prince's connections to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, exacerbated by the release of a memoir by Virginia Giuffre.

Giuffre alleged that she was assaulted by Andrew after being brought by Epstein, claims that Mountbatten Windsor has consistently denied.

Procedure of Removing Titles

The king employed his monarchical powers—recognized authorities held by the sovereign—after discussions with Cabinet Office officials, rather than through legislative action.

Letters patent and royal warrants are instruments of this authority, used to grant or revoke honors and styles.

Since the HRH style is granted by such documents, it can be withdrawn through the same process.

Further Actions and Support

Following the palace statement, the lord chancellor was instructed to prepare the necessary documents for the title removals.

This action also includes Mountbatten Windsor giving up his lease on Royal Lodge, a thirty-room Crown Estate property where he has resided for two decades.

Officials fully supported the monarch's move.

Exception

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