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Through a decisive action, the reigning monarch has formally removed Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his HRH style and his title of prince.

These alterations were formalized by issuing royal documents under the official state seal, that have been published in the UK's official public record.

The entry declared: “The king 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 designation of ‘HRH’ and the titular dignity of ‘Prince’.”

Another entry affirmed the removal of the Duke of York from the roll of peerage, with immediate effect.

The notice stated: “His Majesty has been pleased by warrant under his royal sign manual dated 30 October 2025 to direct his government minister to cause the titleholder to be struck from the peerage roll.”

Context of the Decision

The decision comes after mounting controversy over Andrew's links to convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including the posthumous publication of Virginia Giuffre's memoir.

Giuffre claimed that she was assaulted by the former prince after being trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein, allegations that Mountbatten Windsor has always denied.

Mechanism of Title Removal

The king utilized his monarchical powers—recognized rights held by the sovereign—following consultation with Cabinet Office officials, rather than through parliamentary means.

Royal instruments and royal warrants are instruments of this authority, used to grant or remove titles and honors.

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

Further Actions and Support

Following the palace statement, the senior legal official was directed to prepare the necessary documents for the title removals.

The decision also includes Andrew giving up his tenancy on his Windsor residence, a thirty-room royal property where he has resided for twenty years.

The government fully supported the monarch's move.

Exception

Despite the stripping of honors, it was confirmed that Andrew will retain his Falklands service medal, awarded for his role as a Sea King helicopter co-pilot during the Falklands War.