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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 made official by publishing letters patent under the Great Seal of the Realm, that have been recorded in the Gazette.

The official notice declared: “His Majesty has been graciously inclined by royal instruments under the Great Seal dated 3 November 2025 to declare that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor shall cease to be entitled to hold and enjoy the style, title or attribute of ‘Royal Highness’ and the honorific status of ‘Prince of the realm’.”

A separate entry confirmed the stripping of the Duke of York from the roll of peerage, effective immediately.

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

Context of the Royal Action

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

The author alleged that she was sexually abused by Andrew after being trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein, claims that Mountbatten Windsor has consistently denied.

Procedure of Title Removal

The king utilized his royal prerogative—recognized rights held by the sovereign—following consultation with government advisers, instead of through legislative action.

Royal instruments and royal warrants are tools of this authority, used to bestow or revoke titles and honors.

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

Further Measures and Support

Following the palace statement, the senior legal official was directed to draft the required paperwork for the title removals.

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

The government endorsed the king's decision.

Exception

In spite of the loss of titles, it was announced that Andrew will retain his Falklands service medal, granted for his role as a Sea King helicopter co-pilot during the Falklands War.