King Charles III has officially stripped his brother, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, of his royal titles, including “Prince” and “His Royal Highness.” This decision coincides with ongoing investigations in the United States related to Jeffrey Epstein and his alleged sex trafficking ring. The King’s action comes as the U.S. Congress has requested an interview with Andrew regarding his connections to Epstein.
Formal Removal of Titles
A formal announcement was published in The Gazette, Britain’s official public record, detailing that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor is no longer entitled to the style or title of “Royal Highness” or the dignity of “Prince.” The King issued this declaration via a Letters Patent dated November 3, 2025. Additionally, Andrew has been stripped of the title Duke of York.
This move reflects the escalating scrutiny surrounding Andrew’s ties to Epstein, who was convicted of sex trafficking before his death in a New York City jail in 2019. Following public outcry and renewed attention on allegations made by Epstein’s victims, King Charles decided to take decisive action against his brother.
U.S. Congressional Inquiry
In a related development, Democrats on a House congressional committee investigating Epstein have sent a letter to Andrew, requesting a formal interview. The letter emphasizes that Andrew’s long-standing friendship with Epstein and the “well-documented allegations” against him may provide valuable insight into the investigation. The committee has subpoenaed flight logs and other documents that include Andrew’s name, indicating a clear interest in his potential knowledge of Epstein’s activities.
The letter asks for a response by November 20, but Andrew is not legally required to cooperate. The congressional inquiry seeks to identify Epstein’s co-conspirators and enablers, thereby intensifying the pressure on Andrew.
King Charles’s decision to remove Andrew’s titles was made public on October 30, 2025, as part of a broader response to mounting demands for accountability following revelations about Andrew’s friendship with Epstein. The King also ordered Andrew to vacate the Royal Lodge, a 30-room mansion near Windsor Castle where he has lived for over 20 years. He will be relocated to a more modest home on the King’s 8100-hectare Sandringham Estate in eastern England.
Impact on Victims and Public Opinion
The removal of Andrew’s titles has been welcomed by victims of Epstein’s crimes, particularly the family of Virginia Roberts Giuffre. Giuffre, who was part of Epstein’s trafficking operation as a teenager, described her experiences in a recently published memoir. She accused Andrew and other influential men of exploiting her during that time. Giuffre died by suicide in April at the age of 41, further highlighting the tragic consequences of Epstein’s actions.
While Andrew denies Giuffre’s allegations, the public and legal scrutiny surrounding him is likely to continue as investigations unfold. His status within the royal family has changed significantly, marking a new chapter in the ongoing fallout from the Epstein scandal.
As the situation develops, the implications for both Andrew and the royal family remain significant, with potential impacts on public perception and royal duties moving forward.
