FILE PHOTO: Britain’s Prince Andrew leaves Westminster Abbey following the coronation ceremony of Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla, in London, Britain May 6, 2023. REUTERS/Toby Melville/Pool/File Photo
King Charles III began a formal process to withdraw titles and honors from his brother Andrew this Thursday, October 30, 2025 in London. The decision affects the former prince, 65, due to associations with Jeffrey Epstein, a financier convicted of sex trafficking. Buckingham Palace has notified Andrew that he must leave Royal Lodge, a 30-bedroom mansion in Berkshire.
The official statement highlights that the measures seek to preserve the integrity of the British monarchy. Andrew, second son of Queen Elizabeth II, will be known only as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. You will move to private accommodation on the Sandringham estate in eastern England.
The action occurs while Carlos continues treatment for cancer diagnosed in February 2024. Experts in royal affairs point out that the step reinforces the separation of past controversies.
Epstein links prompt real measures
Andrew’s closeness to Epstein became relevant after recent publications of correspondence from 2011. In these documents, Andrew suggested maintaining close contact with the financier, already investigated for abuses.
Epstein, who committed suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial, linked Andrew to allegations of misconduct. Despite Andrew’s denials, the case escalated with the 2022 out-of-court settlement involving Virginia Giuffre, one of the victims, who died in April 2025.
Buckingham Palace emphasized solidarity with victims of abuse. The royal family seeks to mitigate damage to the institutional image, according to close sources.
Andrew’s military and diplomatic history
Andrew served as a Royal Navy officer during the Falklands War in 1982, piloting anti-submarine helicopters. His performance earned him initial recognition as a respected public figure.
In 2011 he left the position of trade ambassador of the United Kingdom after criticism of his international friends. The episode marked the beginning of questions about his judgment in diplomatic matters.
Two years later, in 2019, Andrew suspended public royal duties. The decision followed a television interview where she defended her relationship with Epstein, which increased public scrutiny.
Judicial settlement and financial repercussions
Virginia Giuffre accused Andrew of sexual abuse when he was 17 years old, in a process that began in 2021 in the United States. The case ended with Andrew’s confidential payment, estimated to be in the millions of pounds, without admission of guilt.
Reports indicate that Andrew has invested around £7.5 million in renovations to Royal Lodge since 2002. However, he did not cover rent for two decades, according to contracts reviewed by the palace.
- Payment to Giuffre: amount not disclosed, but sources point to 12 million pounds.
- Mansion renovations: privately funded, no actual reimbursement.
- Maintenance costs: assumed by taxpayers until the eviction notification.
A British parliamentary committee questioned Andrew’s permanence in public property on Wednesday the 29th.
Family support for Carlos’s decision
Palace sources confirm that Carlos consulted family members before the action. Prince William, heir to the throne, expressed full agreement with the measures.
Queen Camilla and other close relatives supported the step, seeking institutional stability. Andrew, isolated since 2022, lost military patronages and honors as a Knight of the Order of the Garter.
The process uses royal prerogative, avoiding legislative intervention. This allows for rapid removal of titles without parliamentary debate, focused on urgent national issues.
Move to Sandringham and uncertain future
Andrew must move to a house on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. The privately funded relocation will occur within weeks, according to the statement.
Royal Lodge, built in 1679, previously served as the residence of queens consorts. Its release opens space for official use of the crown.
The former Duke of York, now withoutprivileges, maintains denial of the accusations. He resides with ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, who has not commented publicly.
Precedents in the British monarchy
In 1936, King Edward VIII abdicated to marry divorced Wallis Simpson. He retained the title of Duke of Windsor but faced social exile from the family.
Similar cases, such as that of Wallis, illustrate how monarchs prioritize the institution over personal ties. Experts compare Carlos’s action with these historical interventions to preserve legitimacy.
Andrew, born in 1960, saw his trajectory reverse from war hero to controversial figure. The 2025 decision marks the definitive chapter in their royal association.
