The Monarch Formally Removes Andrew of HRH Style and Prince Title
Through a definitive move, the reigning monarch has officially stripped Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his Royal Highness attribute and his title of prince.
These alterations were formalized by issuing letters patent under the official state seal, that have been published in the Gazette.
The entry declared: “The king has been pleased by royal instruments under the Great Seal dated 3 November 2025 to declare that the individual in question shall no longer be entitled to hold and enjoy the style, title or attribute of ‘HRH’ and the titular dignity of ‘Prince’.”
Another entry affirmed the stripping of the dukedom from the roll of peerage, effective immediately.
It read: “The king has been pleased by royal warrant under his royal sign manual dated 30 October 2025 to instruct his secretary of state to cause the Duke of York to be struck from the peerage roll.”
Context of the Royal Action
This decision comes after increasing controversy over Andrew's connections to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, exacerbated by the release of Virginia Giuffre's memoir.
The author claimed that she was sexually abused by Andrew after being brought by Jeffrey Epstein, allegations that Mountbatten Windsor has consistently denied.
Mechanism of Removing Titles
The king employed his monarchical powers—accepted rights held by the monarch—after discussions with government advisers, rather than through legislative action.
Letters patent and royal warrants are instruments of this prerogative, used to grant or revoke titles and honors.
Because the HRH style is granted by such documents, it can be withdrawn through the same instrument.
Further Measures and Support
Following the initial announcement, the senior legal official was instructed to draft the required paperwork for the title removals.
The decision also involves Andrew giving up his lease on his Windsor residence, a thirty-room Crown Estate property where he has lived for two decades.
The government endorsed the monarch's decision.
Retained Honor
In spite of the loss of titles, it was announced that Andrew will keep his Falklands service medal, awarded for his service as a helicopter co-pilot during the Falklands conflict.
