🔗 Share this article The Monarch Officially Strips Andrew of Royal Highness Title and Prince Title Through a decisive action, the reigning monarch has formally stripped the former Duke of York of his HRH style and his title of prince. The changes were made official by issuing royal documents under the Great Seal of the Realm, that have been recorded in the Gazette. The official notice stated: “His Majesty has been graciously inclined by royal instruments under the Great Seal dated 3 November 2025 to declare that the individual in question shall cease to be entitled to hold and enjoy the designation of ‘Royal Highness’ and the titular dignity of ‘Prince’.” A separate entry affirmed the removal of the dukedom from the roll of peerage, with immediate effect. The notice stated: “The king has been pleased by warrant under his royal sign manual dated 30 October 2025 to direct his secretary of state to cause the titleholder to be removed from the peerage roll.” Context of the Decision The move comes after mounting scrutiny over the former prince's connections to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, including the posthumous publication of a memoir by Virginia Giuffre. The author alleged that she was assaulted by Andrew after being trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein, allegations that Andrew has always strenuously denied. Procedure of Removing Titles The king employed his royal prerogative—recognized rights held by the monarch—after discussions with government advisers, rather than through parliamentary means. Royal instruments and warrants are instruments of this authority, used to grant or revoke titles and honors. Since the Royal Highness designation is granted by letters patent, it can be revoked through the same process. Further Actions and Backing Following the palace statement, the senior legal official was directed to draft the necessary documents for the removal of titles. This action also includes Mountbatten Windsor giving up his lease on his Windsor residence, a thirty-room Crown Estate property where he has resided for two decades. The government endorsed the monarch's decision. Exception In spite of the stripping of honors, it was confirmed that Mountbatten Windsor will retain his South Atlantic medal, granted for his role as a Sea King helicopter co-pilot during the Falklands War.