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In a decisive action, King Charles has officially stripped Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his Royal Highness attribute and his title of prince.

These alterations were made official by issuing letters patent under the official state seal, which were recorded in the Gazette.

The official notice stated: “The king has been pleased by letters patent under the Great Seal dated 3 November 2025 to declare that the individual in question shall cease to be entitled to hold and enjoy the designation of ‘HRH’ and the titular dignity of ‘Prince of the realm’.”

A separate record affirmed the stripping of the dukedom from the peerage list, with immediate effect.

It read: “The king has been pleased by royal warrant under his royal sign manual dated 30 October 2025 to instruct his government minister to cause the titleholder to be struck from the peerage roll.”

Background of the Decision

This move comes after increasing controversy over the former prince's connections to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, including the release of Virginia Giuffre's memoir.

The author claimed that she was assaulted by Andrew after being brought by Epstein, allegations that Mountbatten Windsor has consistently denied.

Procedure of Removing Titles

Charles employed his monarchical powers—recognized authorities held by the sovereign—after consultation with government advisers, instead of through legislative action.

Royal instruments and warrants are instruments of this prerogative, used to bestow or revoke titles and honors.

Because the Royal Highness designation is conferred by such documents, it can be withdrawn through the same instrument.

Additional Measures and Support

Following the palace statement, the senior legal official was instructed to draft the necessary documents for the title removals.

This action also includes Mountbatten Windsor giving up his tenancy on his Windsor residence, a thirty-room royal property where he has resided for two decades.

Officials endorsed the king's decision.

Exception

Despite the loss of titles, it was confirmed that Mountbatten Windsor will retain his Falklands service medal, granted for his role as a helicopter co-pilot during the Falklands War.