King Charles stripped Prince Andrew of his titles: what’s the reason
31 October 18:17
British monarch Charles III has stripped his younger brother, 65-year-old Prince Andrew, of all royal titles and ordered him to leave his home in Windsor. This was reported by Reuters, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
This is one of the king’s most decisive steps aimed at protecting the reputation of the monarchy after a long-running scandal involving the case of American financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The former Duke of York will now officially go by the name Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and will be forced to leave his Royal Lodge estate. He was offered to move to a private house in Sandringham, one of the royal estates.
Why the decision was made
According to a Buckingham Palace spokesperson, “these steps are necessary, even though he continues to deny all allegations.”
“Their Majesties express their condolences to the victims and survivors of any form of violence,” the palace said in a statement.
According to Reuters, Charles’ decision was supported by the entire family, including the heir to the throne, Prince William.
An old shadow of scandal
This is not the first time Andrew has lost his royal privileges.
- in 2011, he resigned from his position as British Trade Ambassador.
- in 2019, he renounced all public duties.
- in 2022, he was stripped of his military ranks and honorary positions due to accusations of sexual abuse.
The last blow came in the form of letters from 2011, published by the media, in which Andrew allegedly kept in touch with Epstein and planned to “meet soon.”
Who is Jeffrey Epstein?
The American financier Jeffrey Epstein was first arrested in 2008 for sexual crimes against minors. After a short prison sentence, he was investigated again in 2019, this time for human trafficking for sexual exploitation.
Politicians, businessmen and celebrities, including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, billionaire Richard Branson and singer Mick Jagger, were among the names that appeared in connection with his activities.
Epstein was found dead in his cell in August 2019, giving rise to numerous conspiracy theories.
A symbolic gesture – and a strategic decision
For King Charles, this step is not only an internal disciplinary measure, but also a political signal. The monarchy is experiencing a crisis of confidence: according to recent polls, support for the institution among young people in the UK has fallen to record lows.
The stripping of Andrew’s titles demonstrates that Charles’s “new court” is seeking to distance itself from any figures associated with corruption, abuse, or closed elites.
The scandal surrounding Prince Andrew:
- in 2020, American Virginia Giuffre filed a lawsuit against Andrew, accusing him of sexual abuse when she was 17.
- In 2022, the parties reached a settlement agreement: the prince paid compensation without admitting guilt.
- After that, he publicly apologized to Epstein’s “victims” but did not return to public life.
Although Buckingham officially claims that the decision is “administrative,” British commentators consider it a point of no return-and Andrew’s actual expulsion from the royal family.
