The King has initiated the “formal process” to remove Prince Andrew’s titles and honours – and notice has been served for Andrew to surrender his lease at the Royal Lodge, Buckingham Palace said in a statement.
He will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.
The statement said Andrew’s lease on his 30-room Windsor home – which he shares with ex-wife Sarah Ferguson – “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,” it continued.
“These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him.”
“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 statement concluded.
Sky News understands Andrew will move to a property on the private Sandringham estate in Norfolk – with his future accommodation being privately funded by the King. Charles will also make a private financial provision for Andrew.
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Sarah Ferguson, who lost her Duchess of York title when Andrew gave up his other titles earlier this month, will make her own living arrangements.
The couple’s children, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, will retain their titles as they are the daughters of the son of a sovereign.
Charles has taken action due to serious lapses in Andrew’s judgement and has the support of the wider family, including the Prince of Wales, it is understood. Andrew has not objected to the process.
It was previously announced that Andrew had agreed to no longer use his titles but their formal removal is now underway.
The process applies to Andrew’s titles of Prince, Duke of York, Earl of Inverness, Baron Killyleagh and the ‘His Royal Highness’ style.
The honours impacted are his Order of the Garter and Knight Grand Cross of the Victorian Order.
The move comes as Andrew continues to face criticism over his links to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
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