In an historic royal decision, King Charles III has stripped Prince Andrew of all titles and privileges and ordered him to vacate the Royal Lodge at Windsor. Buckingham Palace confirmed that the Duke of York will now be known simply as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, marking a decisive end to his official royal life.
The late Queen Elizabeth II had granted Andrew long-term residence at the Royal Lodge under a private lease arrangement with the Crown Estate. In 2003, he reportedly paid £1 million to secure the 75-year lease, which was set to run until 2078 and required him to personally fund renovations and maintain the surrounding grounds. Once viewed as a lasting symbol of royal privilege, that agreement has now been rescinded.
The eviction follows years of scandal and public backlash over Andrew’s association with convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein. Palace insiders describe the move as “final and necessary,” reflecting King Charles’s effort to modernize the monarchy and reinforce accountability. The message is clear: even among royals, legacy no longer shields from consequence.
