Prince Andrew has been formally removed from the Roll of the Peerage and stripped of his royal titles, marking a dramatic end to his public life.
Buckingham Palace confirmed the move Thursday evening, following renewed scrutiny over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein and allegations made by Virginia Giuffre.
The Roll of the Peerage: What It Is and Why It Matters
The Roll of the Peerage is the official public record of all peers and peerages in the United Kingdom, including hereditary peers, life peers, and members of the Royal Family who hold noble titles. Maintained by the Crown Office under the authority of the Lord Chancellor—currently David Lammy—it spans 185 pages and includes Dukes, Earls, Barons, and other titled individuals. While removal from the roll does not legally abolish a peerage (which would require an Act of Parliament), it effectively erases the individual from the formal record of nobility, stripping them of the right to use their titles in any official capacity Daily Mail.
Until Thursday evening, Andrew was listed as His Royal Highness Prince Andrew, Duke of York. Following a royal warrant issued by King Charles III, his name was struck from the roll. He is now referred to simply as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, a commoner in status, though still eighth in line to the throne Yahoo News UK.
Buckingham Palace’s Statement and the Fallout
The Palace’s announcement came after months of mounting pressure over Andrew’s private life, particularly his longstanding association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The statement confirmed that Andrew would no longer be styled as “Prince,” nor retain his HRH status. He has also agreed to vacate Royal Lodge, the 30-bedroom mansion on the Windsor estate where he has lived for over two decades Sky News +1.
The Palace noted that “these censures are deemed necessary,” acknowledging the gravity of the situation while reiterating sympathy for “victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.” The decision was reportedly supported by senior members of the Royal Family, including Prince William Sky News.
Virginia Giuffre’s Memoir and Renewed Allegations
The timing of the Palace’s move coincides with the release of Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir earlier this month. Giuffre, who died in April, had long accused Andrew of sexually abusing her on three separate occasions when she was a teenager trafficked by Epstein. Andrew has consistently denied the allegations and settled a civil lawsuit in 2022 without admitting guilt.
In her memoir, Giuffre reiterated her claims, describing encounters in London, New York, and the Caribbean. Her brother, Sky Roberts, spoke to the BBC following the Palace’s announcement, saying: “It’s not enough—we have to have some sort of investigation that goes further into this.” He praised the King’s decision but called for legal accountability, stating, “He’s still walking around a free man” Sky News +1.
What Happens to Sarah Ferguson and Their Children?
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York—known affectionately as “Fergie”—has lived with Andrew at Royal Lodge since their divorce in 1996. Though no longer a working royal, she has remained closely tied to the family and was reportedly paying “peppercorn rent” alongside Andrew. With the lease now surrendered, sources suggest Ferguson “will make her own arrangements,” though no official statement has been released regarding her future residence Daily Mail.
Their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will retain their HRH titles and royal status. King Charles is said to be keen to protect his nieces from the fallout, acknowledging that they have not been implicated in any wrongdoing. Both women have maintained low public profiles and continue to support charitable causes, though their father’s disgrace has inevitably cast a shadow over their roles Daily Mail.
Before and After: Andrew’s Status in the Peerage
Before Removal:
• Title: His Royal Highness Prince Andrew, Duke of York
• Listed on the Roll of the Peerage
• Resident of Royal Lodge, Windsor
• Styled as HRH in official communications
After Removal:
• Name: Andrew Mountbatten Windsor
• Removed from the Roll of the Peerage
• No longer entitled to use “Prince” or HRH
• Will relocate to a private residence on the Sandringham Estate
A Historic Precedent
Royal historian Kate Williams described the move as “a huge moment in world history,” noting that only a handful of royals have ever been stripped of titles in this manner. Previous examples include royals who fought for Germany during World War I and the daughters of Henry VIII. The government has expressed support for the King’s decision, with Minister Sir Chris Bryant stating, “We’ve taken our lead from the Palace” Sky News.
As the monarchy seeks to modernise and uphold public trust, Andrew’s removal from the peerage roll marks a decisive break from the past—and a signal that no royal is above accountability.
