The King has initiated the “formal process” to remove Prince Andrew’s titles and honours – and notice has been served for Andrew to surrender his lease at the Royal Lodge, Buckingham Palace said in a statement. He will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.
Latest updates: Politicians react as Andrew loses ‘prince’ titleThe statement said Andrew’s lease on his 30-room Windsor home – which he shares with ex-wife Sarah Ferguson – “has, to date, provided him with legal protection to continue in residence”.”Formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease and he will move to alternative private accommodation,” it continued.
“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,” the statement concluded.Sky News understands Andrew will move to a property on the private Sandringham estate in Norfolk – with his future accommodation being privately funded by the King.It is believed Charles will also make a private financial provision for Andrew.
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Royal Lodge
Sarah Ferguson, who lost her Duchess of York title when Andrew gave up his other titles earlier this month, will make her own living arrangements.The couple’s children, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, will retain their titles as they are the daughters of the son of a sovereign.Charles has taken action due to serious lapses in Andrew’s judgement and has the support of the wider family, including the Prince of Wales, it is understood. Andrew has not objected to the process.
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Sarah Ferguson will make her own living arrangements. Pic: PA
It was previously announced that Andrew had agreed to no longer use his titles but Thursday’s announcement said their formal removal is now underway.The process will see Andrew officially stripped of his titles of Prince, Duke of York, Earl of Inverness, Baron Killyleagh and the ‘His Royal Highness’ style.
The honours impacted are his Order of the Garter and Knight Grand Cross of the Victorian Order.The move comes as Andrew continues to face criticism over his links to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein and allegations made against him by one of the billionaire’s victims.Read more:Key claims in Virginia Giuffre memoirHow Andrew allegations unfolded
Virginia Giuffre, who died in April, alleged Andrew sexually assaulted her on three occasions when she was 17.Andrew has always denied the allegations and once said he had “no recollection whatever” of meeting Ms Giuffre, whose memoir was released posthumously last week.Ms Giuffre sued Andrew in 2021 and the case was settled outside of court for a sum believed to have been around £12m.