Britain’s King Charles has stripped his younger brother, Prince Andrew, of his royal titles and ordered him to vacate his Windsor residence, Buckingham Palace announced on Thursday.
The move deepens the royal fallout from Andrew’s association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The 65-year-old, who earlier lost his title as Duke of York, will now be known simply as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
A palace statement said the King’s decision came after “serious lapses of judgement,” noting that Andrew’s continued denial of the allegations did not outweigh the need for accountability.
“These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him,” the statement read. “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.”
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Buckingham Palace also confirmed that a formal notice had been issued for Prince Andrew to surrender the lease on his Royal Lodge mansion on the Windsor Estate. He will move to private accommodation in eastern England.
Reuters reports that the move had the backing of senior royals, including Prince William.
The decision follows growing public and parliamentary scrutiny over Andrew’s finances, after The Times reported he had lived rent-free in his 30-room mansion for nearly two decades despite funding extensive renovations.