Prince Andrew, the disgraced former Duke of York, has been formally stripped of his royal titles and privileges by King Charles III, a move described by royal expert Andrew Lownie as “ruthless” yet “widely welcomed.” The decision means Andrew will now be known simply as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and removed from the official roll of peerage, marking one of the monarchy’s most severe internal rebukes in decades.

Behind this royal reckoning, however, stood a key influence: Prince William. According to Lownie, author of Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, William was instrumental in “stiffening” his father’s resolve to act decisively. Mounting public criticism and media heckling directed at King Charles reportedly intensified the urgency to protect the monarchy’s reputation. The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, is also said to have been in full support of the King’s decision — a united front that underscores the growing generational influence of the Prince and Princess of Wales within royal strategy.

End of an Era at Royal Lodge

Adding to Andrew’s personal losses, Buckingham Palace confirmed his long-anticipated departure from the 30-room Royal Lodge, located near Windsor Castle. The residence, which Andrew leased in 2003 under a 75-year agreement, has long been a source of contention both within royal circles and among the public. Recent polls indicate that 80 percent of Britons supported his removal from the property.

Although the lease made it legally challenging for the King to force him out, Andrew has now agreed to vacate voluntarily. He is expected to relocate to a smaller home on the King’s Sandringham Estate in Norfolk — a move royal expert Lownie calls a “neat solution.” His former wife, Sarah Ferguson, who also resided at Royal Lodge, will reportedly need to make separate living arrangements.

Epstein Scandal Resurfaces

The decision to formally strip Andrew of his titles was driven in part by the lingering shadow of his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Renewed public outrage followed the release of Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir, which revisited her allegations of sexual assault against Andrew when she was a teenager — accusations he has consistently denied.

While Andrew had previously stepped back from royal duties and relinquished honorary military titles, the memoir reignited calls for the monarchy to take firmer action. Lownie characterized the King’s decision as both “inevitable and overdue,” arguing that it was essential to prevent further reputational damage to the institution.

The Road Ahead

Lownie cautions that this may not mark the final chapter for Andrew or Sarah Ferguson. Ongoing Epstein-related court cases and unsealed files could lead to further scrutiny or even legal consequences. “There are good grounds for an investigation,” Lownie stated, urging both Andrew and Ferguson to cooperate fully with authorities in the UK and the US to clarify their past connections.

Meanwhile, the fate of Royal Lodge remains uncertain. Some insiders suggest Prince William and Kate could eventually move into the estate, though reports indicate they are hesitant due to concerns about public perception. The couple is instead said to be considering a more understated residence at Forest Lodge, aligning with their preference for a modern, modest image of royal family life.