In a recent decision by Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew is losing his royal titles and has to surrender his residence, the Royal Lodge in Windsor. This was confirmed through an official statement.
The palace announced, “Going forward, Prince Andrew will be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.” It was also stated that he has been issued formal notice to vacate the premises, after which he will relocate to alternate private housing.
While Andrew mentioned he would step back from using royal titles, the palace’s recent declaration on behalf of King Charles III and Queen Camilla marks the beginning of the formal revocation process for all of his titles, including that of a prince.
“These measures are seen as necessary, even as he continues to reject the allegations against him,” read the palace’s statement.
Much of the scrutiny surrounding Andrew has stemmed from his connection to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and serious accusations from Virginia Giuffre. She claimed she was trafficked and forced into sexual encounters with the prince when she was underage, allegations that he vehemently denies. A settlement was reached between them in 2022, before Giuffre’s unfortunate suicide earlier this year.
Moreover, the statement from the palace articulated their ongoing support for victims of abuse, making it clear that their thoughts and sympathies are directed towards survivors.
In response to the recent events, Giuffre’s family released a statement to CBS News, highlighting her as “an ordinary American girl whose truth and bravery brought down a British prince.” They assert, “She declares victory today. We are committed to continuing Virginia’s fight for justice and ensuring accountability for all those involved with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.” Overall, this was sent on behalf of her brother, Sky Roberts, and sister-in-law, Amanda.
Virginia Giuffre recounted her narrative in a memoir she published posthumously, stating, “He was pleasant yet had a sense of entitlement, as if he thought sleeping with me was his inherent right.” She added, “The next day, [Ghislaine] Maxwell complimented me, saying: ‘You did well. The prince had a good time.’ Epstein was known to pay me $15,000 for providing services to the man tabloids labeled ‘Randy Andy.'”
In 2022, Andrew also stepped back entirely from his military roles, patronages, and public duties, ceasing to use the title “His Royal Highness.” He faced significant backlash from the British public over his continued stay at a royal mansion amid accumulating accusations and his departure from royal service.
His lease for the Royal Lodge, which kickstarted in 2003, required an initial payment of approximately 8 million pounds (around $10.5 million), with the annual rent being just a symbolic amount, often referred to as a “peppercorn.” This arrangement was intended to fund necessary renovations of the previously rundown property, rather than utilizing public finances, according to reports.
Previously labeled as “cast iron,” the lease had stipulated that Buckingham Palace would need to negotiate with Andrew for his removal, yet further details about those discussions have not been disclosed.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that Andrew would vacate his residence promptly and find new accommodation on the Sandringham estate, roughly 100 miles north of London.
