In 2025, King Charles began the formal process to strip Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor of his royal titles. He was also removed from the Royal Lodge on the grounds of Windsor.
Around 9 pm AEST on 19 February 2026, news broke from the UK that the former prince, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested. According to a statement from Thames Valley Police, Andrew was arrested “on suspicion of misconduct in public office”.
The third child (and second son) of the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, in 2019, Andrew stepped back from public duties. At the time, he stated this was due to “the circumstances relating to my former association with Jeffrey Epstein.”
Why is Andrew losing his title significant?
The Weekly’s royal correspondent, Paola Totaro, has weighed in on the significance of the decision to strip Andrew of his HRH title.
“It is impossible to overstate just how significant – and serious – is the decision by King Charles – backed by the wider Royal family – to strip his younger brother of all his titles,” she says from London.
“Andrew has had a sword of Damocles hanging over his head since the disastrous, ‘car crash’ interview with BBC NewsNight and Emily Maitlis almost six years ago to the day.
“The announcement, made after the evening UK news bulletins on Thursday night, came in the wake of days of political wrangling and efforts to contain the scandal engulfing Andrew had clearly failed. The demand for a decisive response from King Charles even reached Westminster on Wednesday when MPs demanded an explanation about Andrew’s accommodation and his continuing residency at the Royal Lodge in light of what they said are the “serious and disturbing” allegations made against him.
“The Public Accounts Committee had contacted the Crown Estate, which manages his lease, questioning whether the luxurious 30-room property was an appropriate home for him. At the same time, Republic, the anti-monarchy campaign group, announced it had instructed lawyers to investigate whether it could bring a private prosecution over allegations of sexual assault, corruption and misconduct in public office.
“It is clear that the scandal could not be allowed to go on.”
Formal notice has been served for Prince Andrew to surrender the lease on the 31-bedroom Royal Lodge. It is understood he has moved to Wood Farm, a property on King Charles’ private Sandingham Estate in Norfolk.
Despite the pair being divorced, Sarah Ferguson has resided at the Royal Lodge since the 2000s. She will now need to find separate alternative accommodation. Since Andrew relinquished his Duke of York title, Sarah Ferguson no longer uses the title of Duchess of York.
Despite their father losing his Prince title, his daughters, Princess Eugenie and Beatrice, will retain their own royal titles. This is in accordance with King George V’s letters patent of 1917.
It’s not just his official royal titles that Andrew is losing. Numerous places are named for members of the royal family. One such location is Prince Andrew Plateau in the Antarctic. The plateau sits in the Queen Elizabeth Range in New Zealand’s territorial claim in the frozen continent. Landmarks in the region were named in honour of Queen Elizabeth’s children. In addition to Prince Andrew Plateau, there is the Princess Anne Galcier, for the Princess Royal and the Prince Charles Mountains for King Charles III.
According to reports, the Geographic Board is considering renaming the 74-kilometre landmark. However, because the name currently holds a “Royal” title, replacing it with another royal will actually require approval from Buckingham Palace. So, the landmark could go unnamed or get a new name entirely. It will be another lasting reminder of the damage done.
Buckingham Palace statement in full:
His Majesty has today initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew.
Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. His lease on Royal Lodge has, to date, provided him with legal protection to continue in residence. Formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease, and he will move to alternative private accommodation. These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him.
Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.
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