In a major shake-up for the British Royal Family, Buckingham Palace announced on 30 October 2025 that Prince Andrew will lose his title as “Prince”, be renamed Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, and will be required to vacate his long-time residence, the Royal Lodge at Windsor.
Key details
- The statement made clear that the move comes despite Andrew continuing to deny the allegations against him.
- His lease on Royal Lodge — a 30-room mansion on the Windsor estate — has been formally notified for surrender, meaning he must move into “alternative private accommodation”.
- He will now be known simply as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, dropping the style “His Royal Highness” and the princely title.
- The move is being made by King Charles III with the support of the wider royal family, including Prince William.
Background & context
Prince Andrew’s fall from prominence has been linked to his association with Jeffrey Epstein and the sexual-abuse allegations made by Virginia Giuffre. He had already stepped back from public duties in 2019 and had surrendered certain titles earlier this year.
The Royal Lodge lease has also been a focal point: he had a long-term lease granted in 2003 (75 years) at peppercorn rent but was responsible for upkeep of a large 30-room mansion.
Implications
- The move sends a strong signal that the King is willing to take decisive action even against senior family members to protect the monarchy’s reputation.
- Andrew’s change in status effectively demotes him from the circle of senior working royals; his public role is now almost entirely extinguished.
- The future of his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, is indirectly affected — while they retain their titles, the loss of their father’s status may impact their standing and roles.
- Broadly, the decision may influence how the royal family handles “non-working” royals and their privileges, possibly shaping future reform of titles and funding.
What happens next
- Andrew is expected to relocate to private accommodation on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, with the move funded privately by the King.
- Although the “Prince” title has been stripped, technically full removal of peerages (like his former Dukedom of York) may require further legal or parliamentary action.
- Observers will watch how the royal household manages Andrew’s security, funding, and public access — all of which have become contentious in recent years.