Epstein fallout: what all has King Charles taken from ‘Prince’ Andrew?

WEB DESK: In one of the most dramatic royal shake-ups in decades, King Charles has formally removed all titles and privileges from his younger brother Prince Andrew and ordered him to vacate his Windsor residence, Buckingham Palace confirmed on Thursday.

The 65-year-old royal, long under fire for his association with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, will no longer be styled as “Prince” or “Duke of York,” and will instead go by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Palace officials said the decision — approved by the wider royal family, including Prince William — was taken to “safeguard the integrity of the monarchy.”

A formal notice has also been served requiring Andrew to surrender the lease of his 30-room Royal Lodge on the Windsor Estate, a property he has occupied rent-free for years. He is expected to relocate to smaller private accommodation on the Sandringham Estate.

“Their Majesties’ sympathies remain with the victims and survivors of all forms of abuse,” the palace said, noting that the decision was necessary “despite Andrew’s continued denials.”

Andrew’s royal downfall began in 2019 when allegations surfaced that he had sexually abused Virginia Giuffre, a victim of Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Though he denied the claims, he later settled out of court, and Giuffre’s posthumously published memoir reignited public outrage.

Her family released a statement vowing to “continue Virginia’s fight” and demanding accountability for all involved in the Epstein network.

Recent reports revealing emails between Andrew and Epstein from 2011, where the Duke suggested they “keep in close touch” — further fueled controversy.

Royal insiders say Charles’s move, while painful, was “inevitable.” With public trust in the monarchy waning among younger Britons, the King’s priority, they said, is to “draw a firm line” between the institution and scandal — even if that means cutting off his own brother.