King Charles has taken the unprecedented step of officially stripping Prince Andrew’s royal titles, dealing what one royal commentator called a “hammer blow” to his brother.
The monarch’s decision affects all of Andrew’s titles, including Prince, Duke of York, Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh, as well as his honors such as the Order of the Garter and Knight Grand Cross of the Victorian Order.
This comes as controversy surrounding Andrew’s past ties to Jeffrey Epstein continues to grow.
Speaking on British news channelRoyal expert Cameron Walker said: “Of course, this is incredibly significant. The King has initiated a formal process to remove the title of Prince, probably through Letters Patent.”
Unlike Andrew, his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will retain their titles according to the rules established by King George V in 1917.
“His daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, retain their titles in accordance with King George V’s Letters Patent of 1917,” Walker added.
He continued: “Prince Andrew had previously temporarily renounced the use of his titles and honors, but this was not a formal revocation, which the King is currently implementing.
“This is a very strong gesture on the part of King Charles, who deals a hammer blow to his brother.
“It is unprecedented in living memory for a princely title to be officially stripped from a member of the royal family.
“The long-term resolution will involve the king formally removing the title of prince through letters patent.
“Prince Andrew will no longer go by the name Prince Andrew but will instead be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, following controversies surrounding his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein and allegations of sexual assault, which he denies.”
