In a decisive action, the reigning monarch has officially removed the former Duke of York of his Royal Highness attribute and his princely title.
The changes were made official by issuing letters patent under the Great Seal of the Realm, which were published in the Gazette.
The entry declared: “His Majesty has been graciously inclined by letters patent under the Great Seal of the Realm dated 3 November 2025 to declare that the individual in question shall no longer be entitled to possess the style, title or attribute of ‘Royal Highness’ and the titular dignity of ‘Prince’.”
Another record affirmed the removal of the Duke of York from the peerage list, effective immediately.
The notice stated: “The king has been pleased to direct by royal warrant under his royal sign manual dated 30 October 2025 to direct his government minister to ensure the titleholder to be removed from the peerage roll.”
Background of the Decision
The move comes after increasing controversy over the former prince's connections to convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, exacerbated by the release of a memoir by Virginia Giuffre.
The author claimed that she was sexually abused by Andrew after being trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein, claims that Andrew has consistently denied.
Mechanism of Title Removal
Charles utilized his royal prerogative—accepted rights held by the sovereign—after discussions with government advisers, instead of through parliamentary means.
Letters patent and warrants are tools of this prerogative, used to bestow or revoke honors and styles.
Because the Royal Highness designation is granted by letters patent, it can be withdrawn through the same process.
Further Actions and Backing
After the palace statement, the lord chancellor was instructed to prepare the required paperwork for the title removals.
The decision also involves Andrew relinquishing his lease on Royal Lodge, a thirty-room Crown Estate property where he has lived for twenty years.
Officials fully supported the monarch's move.
Exception
In spite of the stripping of honors, it was announced that Andrew will keep his Falklands service medal, awarded for his role as a Sea King helicopter co-pilot during the Falklands conflict.
