Andrew Mountbatten Windsor Stripped of Titles, Faces New Reality

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, has been stripped of his royal titles, marking a significant shift in his status within the British royal family. The change, officially enacted by his brother, **King Charles III**, through a legal document known as Letters Patent, means Andrew is no longer entitled to the style of “Royal Highness” or the title of “Prince.” This decision was published in The Gazette, the UK’s official public record, on **November 3, 2025**.

The move comes amidst ongoing controversy surrounding Andrew’s past associations, particularly his links to convicted sex offender **Jeffrey Epstein**. As a result of these scandals, Andrew has faced public scrutiny and legal challenges. The official entry stated, “THE KING has been pleased by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the Realm dated 3 November 2025 to declare that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor shall no longer be entitled to hold and enjoy the style, title or attribute of ‘Royal Highness’ and the titular dignity of ‘Prince’.”

Implications for Andrew and His Family

Royal biographer **Robert Hardman**, author of *Charles III: New King, New Court, The Inside Story*, explained that Andrew will now be required to show deference to his daughters, **Princess Beatrice** and **Princess Eugenie**, who retain their royal titles. Hardman noted, “Yes, he probably will” have to bow to them, although he suggested that Andrew may not do so with enthusiasm. As a private citizen, protocol dictates that he must bow to members of the royal family who still hold their titles.

Discussing the King’s decision on the Daily Mail’s *Palace Confidential Show*, Hardman emphasized that Charles’s actions were taken after consulting with government officials, including the Prime Minister. He described the King as “the fountain of justice,” underscoring the careful consideration behind the decision.

Despite Andrew’s fall from grace, Beatrice and Eugenie remain unaffected in terms of their titles. Hardman clarified, “They are still Princesses and HRH because they are the children of the son of a reigning Monarch.” He highlighted that the King and other royal family members have been keen to separate themselves from Andrew’s controversies, ensuring that the daughters’ reputations remain intact.

Future Roles and Responsibilities

While Beatrice and Eugenie maintain their titles, their royal duties are likely to be minimal unless specifically requested by **His Majesty**. Hardman referred to them as “essentially private citizens who are related to the King” and mentioned that they may only appear at royal events when called upon.

The sisters’ titles are protected under **King George V’s** 1917 Letters Patent, which establishes the royal status of the children of a reigning monarch. Hardman expressed confidence in their character, stating that they have lived “a pretty upright life” and are “level-headed and very nice young women.”

Andrew stepped down from his royal duties in **2019**, following serious allegations made by **Virginia Giuffre**. She accused him of sexual misconduct, claiming that she was trafficked by Epstein and his associate **Ghislaine Maxwell**. Giuffre alleged that she met Andrew at a London nightclub and later had sexual relations with him when she was just 17. Andrew has consistently denied these allegations, stating during a **2019** interview with BBC’s *Newsnight* that he has no recollection of meeting Giuffre.

As Andrew navigates this new chapter, he must reconcile his position as a former royal with the reality of being a private citizen, now largely defined by the actions of his past.