The removal of his “prince” title has marked the latest chapter in Andrew’s fall from grace this week.
However, one royal commentator has warned that there are “many more disclosures to come” in relation to accusations about the conduct of the King’s brother.
In a historic move, King Charles announced on Thursday that he is to strip all remaining titles from Andrew and will evict him from Royal Lodge, the royal residence that has been the former prince’s home for two decades.
Buckingham Palace said that Andrew was given notice on Thursday to leave the 30-room mansion, adding that he will henceforth be known simply as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, and will effectively be living as a commoner.
It comes after weeks of intense pressure on the King to act, as Andrew’s links to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein have continued to embarrass the monarchy. It is understood that although Andrew denies all of the accusations involving Epstein, Buckingham Palace considers there to have been “serious lapses of judgement”.
But despite the unprecedented action taken to remove Andrew’s titles and his royal privilege, Andrew Lownie, the author of Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, a 2025 biography of the former prince, has he doesn’t think it’s “the end of it”.
The royal expert said the royal family are “finally getting ahead of the story”, but added: “I don’t think it’s the end of it. I think there are many more disclosures to come, but at least they’re taking some decisive action. So, I don’t think it’s all over for him.”
Asked if Andrew could be investigated by the police, Lownie told the Daily Mirror: “Yes. I’ve been saying for some time they’re going to throw Andrew under the bus to save themselves, and this is the first indication of that.
“This should have been done years ago. I think it’s been Virginia Giuffre’s book that kind of made the palace realise that there is a big problem here.”
He told the BBC that the accusations had been a “huge humiliation” for Andrew, and that the former prince has “been very depressed about it all, even though he’s been defiant in public”.
Palace officials had hoped that forcing Andrew to relinquish his Duke of York title would draw a line under the furore, but with MPs demanding answers about the peppercorn rent paid at the Windsor estate, the King acted to end the saga.
It is understood that Andrew will now live on the Sandringham estate at the King’s expense, while his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson will also move out and will make her own living arrangements.
In a statement, the palace said: “Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.
“His lease on Royal Lodge has, to date, provided him with legal protection to continue in residence. Formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease and he will move to alternative private accommodation.
“These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him.”
The statement added: “Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”
It is understood that although the King initiated the process to formally remove his titles and honours, Andrew did not object to it.
The Prince of Wales is also understood to be supportive of the King’s decision, as is the wider royal family. Andrew’s move to an undisclosed property on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk will take place as soon as practicable, it is understood.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.independent.co.uk ’
