The Title-Less Royal: What Happens When King Charles Strips His Brother Of His Birthright? | World News
King III. Charles took the extraordinary step of stripping his younger brother Prince Andrew of all remaining royal titles, honors and privileges, ordering him to vacate Royal Lodge, the longtime royal residence near Windsor Castle. The disgraced royal will now be known simply as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.
The decision comes after weeks of mounting public pressure and renewed controversy over Andrew’s decades-long relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and allegations of sexual abuse against him.
Who is Andrew Mountbatten Windsor?
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Former Prince Andrew, Queen Elizabeth II He was born as the second son of Elizabeth and King Henry III. He was Charles’ younger brother.
Royal Service: Served in the Royal Navy for 22 years, including as a helicopter pilot during the 1982 Falklands War. His military duties were suspended when he withdrew from public duties in 2019.
Family: He married Sarah Ferguson, who was also expected to move out of Royal Lodge. The couple have two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who retain their royal titles.
Why Did Andrew Lose His Royal Status?
The King’s decision marks the latest and most significant development in the ongoing fallout over Andrew’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein and his civil sexual abuse case.
Epstein Connection and Accusations
Long Term Association: Andrew reportedly met Epstein in 1999 through Ghislaine Maxwell. Their friendship continued after Epstein was convicted in 2008 of procuring a minor for prostitution; This included being photographed together in New York in 2010.
Allegations of Sexual Abuse: Andrew faces a civil lawsuit filed by Epstein victim Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who accuses the prince of sexually assaulting her three times, including twice when she was 17. Giuffre’s memoir, published posthumously in September, renewed public outrage with claims Andrew thought “having sex with me was his birthright”.
Residential: Although all charges were denied, an out-of-court settlement was reached between Andrew and Giuffre in February 2022 for an undisclosed amount, reportedly over $12 million. Loss of Public Roles: His mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Elizabeth stripped Giuffre of her military titles and royal patronages in January 2022 after she failed to dismiss the civil suit. Final Decree The King’s decision to strip Andrew of his princely title and evict him from his home comes as calls for stronger action grow after Andrew relinquished the title of Duke of York earlier this month. Andrew will move from the 30-room Royal Lodge to other private accommodation at King Charles III’s privately owned Sandringham Estate and will receive private financial support from his brother. Buckingham Palace said the censures were necessary due to “serious errors of judgement”, although Andrew denied the allegations.
READ ALSO | Epstein Scandal: King Charles Fires Prince Andrew from Royal Life – Titles Lost, Mansion Disappeared
