Buckingham Palace has confirmed that Prince Andrew will lose his royal title and vacate his long-time residence, Royal Lodge, in Windsor, suggesting another setback for the embattled royal.
In an official statement released on Friday, the Palace said King Charles III has initiated a formal process to remove the styles, titles, and honours of his younger brother, who will now be known simply as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.
The announcement follows renewed public outrage over Andrew’s association with the late American financier and convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. The Palace said the decision was necessary "due to serious lapses in judgement," although Andrew maintains his innocence and continues to deny all allegations.
"His Majesty has today initiated a formal process to remove the style, titles and honours of Prince Andrew.
"Formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease [on Royal Lodge] and he will move to alternative private accommodation.
"These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him.
"Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse," part of the statement read.
Palace sources indicate that Andrew did not contest the King’s decision to strip him of his remaining privileges or to vacate the Windsor estate, where he has lived for more than two decades.
The move comes months after the 64-year-old relinquished his title as Duke of York and other ceremonial roles amid ongoing scrutiny over his private life.
While no criminal charges have been filed, the scandal surrounding his relationship with Epstein has continued to overshadow the Royal Family, leading to mounting public pressure for decisive action.
The Palace has not specified where Andrew will live next, but sources suggest he will relocate to a smaller private property in the coming months.
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