King Charles has taken the unprecedented step of formally stripping Prince Andrew of his royal titles, delivering 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 the Knight Grand Cross of the Victorian Order.
This comes as the controversy surrounding Andrew’s past ties to Jeffrey Epstein continues to grow.
Talking further Britain’s news channelsaid royal expert Cameron Walker, “Obviously this is incredibly significant. The King has begun a formal process to remove the title of Prince, presumably via letters patent.”
Unlike Andrew, his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will retain their titles under the rules laid down by King George V in 1917.
“His daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, retain their titles in accordance with King George V’s 1917 Letters Patent,” Walker added.
He continued, “Prince Andrew had previously relinquished the use of his titles and honors temporarily, but it was not a formal removal, which is what the King is now implementing.
“This is a very strong move by King Charles who dealt a hammer blow to his brother.
“It is unprecedented in living memory for a princely title to be formally removed from a member of the royal family.
“The long-term decision will involve the King formally removing the Prince title via Letters Patent.
“Prince Andrew will no longer be styled Prince Andrew and will instead be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, following controversy surrounding his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein and the allegations of sexual abuse, which he denies.”
