Buckingham Palace confirmed that King Charles had “initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew,” marking a decisive step in distancing the monarchy from his embattled brother.

In a statement issued on Friday morning (NZT), the Palace said that “Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.”

It added that the Duke’s long-term lease at Royal Lodge, the mansion on the Windsor estate where he has lived for decades, would also end.

“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,” the statement said.

The Palace described the measures as “necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him.”

The King’s decision effectively removes all remaining royal privileges from Andrew, who had already stepped back from public duties following widespread criticism of his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The Duke settled a civil case with Virginia Giuffre in 2022 without admitting liability, but the controversy surrounding his conduct has continued to cast a shadow over the royal family.

Buckingham Palace said the changes were a matter of duty and integrity. “These censures are deemed necessary,” the statement said, reflecting the King’s determination to preserve public trust in the monarchy.

The Palace said “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.”

The move marks the first time in modern royal history that a senior member of the family has been formally stripped of titles by a reigning monarch.