King Charles III Revokes Prince Andrew's Titles and Residence Amid Epstein Scandal

King Charles III has stripped his brother, Prince Andrew, of his remaining titles and ordered him to vacate his royal residence, Buckingham Palace announced on Thursday. This decision follows intensified scrutiny over Andrew's association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and renewed allegations from Virginia Roberts Giuffre, whose recent memoir details alleged encounters with the prince.

As a result, Andrew will no longer hold the title of prince and will be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. He is required to leave the Royal Lodge near Windsor Castle. The palace stated, "These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him." The statement also expressed, "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."

This move is nearly unprecedented; the last instance occurred in 1919 when Prince Ernest Augustus lost his British title for siding with Germany during World War I. Giuffre's brother, Skye Roberts, commented, "Today, an ordinary American girl from an ordinary American family, brought down a British prince with her truth and extraordinary courage."

Andrew, 65, has consistently denied Giuffre's claims but stepped down from royal duties after a 2019 BBC interview addressing the allegations. In 2022, he settled a civil suit filed by Giuffre in New York, paying millions without admitting wrongdoing but acknowledging her suffering as a victim of sex trafficking.

The king's decision follows public incidents, including a heckler questioning Charles about his knowledge of Andrew's ties to Epstein during an event at Lichfield Cathedral. Video of the incident garnered widespread media attention.

Andrew is expected to relocate to a property on the king's Sandringham estate and receive private financial support from his brother. His ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, who had been residing with him at the Royal Lodge, will need to find alternative accommodation.