King Charles has formally stripped Prince Andrew of all royal titles and honours, Buckingham Palace has announced.

The 76-year-old monarch's move follows renewed legal pressure on the Duke of York, 65 - now to be known simply as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor - as campaigners pursue a private prosecution over allegations linked to the Virginia Giuffre scandal.

In a statement issued by Buckingham Palace on Thursday (30.10.25) evening, a spokesperson said: "His Majesty has today initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew.

"Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. 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.

"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."

Andrew faces a private prosecution for alleged sexual assault, corruption and misconduct in public office.

The case is being brought by campaign group Republic, which says it has instructed a law firm to examine evidence and, if justified, commence proceedings.

The group's action follows years of controversy surrounding Andrew's association with the late US financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The Metropolitan Police previously reviewed claims Andrew had asked a taxpayer-funded bodyguard in 2011 to obtain personal information about Virginia, including her date of birth and social security number.

But the force did not pursue a formal investigation.

Andrew has consistently denied Virginia's claims she was forced to have sex with him on three occasions when she was 17. He relinquished his Duke of York title and other honours before Giuffre's memoirs were due to be published.

Virginia's relatives, Sky Roberts and Amanda Roberts, have urged the Independent Office for Police Conduct to review Scotland Yard's decision not to reopen the case.

Republic's chief executive, Graham Smith, said: "If not us, then who? It's a devastating indictment on the UK's criminal justice system, police and politicians - not to mention the King and heir - that we must resort to a private prosecution. It should be a cause for concern that so many people believe - rightly in my view - that the royals are not treated equally in law. Equality in law is a basic tenet of democracy.

"I firmly believe there is strong enough evidence to justify a serious investigation. The authorities and politicians appear to want to look the other way, while minimising the accusations made against Andrew. The truth must prevail and justice must be seen to be done."

In 2022, Virginia reportedly received up to £12 million to settle her civil sexual assault case, though Andrew has maintained he never met her.

His financial arrangements and continued residence at Royal Lodge - where he has lived for over 20 years - have drawn criticism after reports of a "peppercorn" rent arrangement.

According to reports, Andrew and his former wife Sarah Ferguson, 66, have agreed to vacate Royal Lodge in exchange for two smaller properties.

The BBC reported Andrew hosted Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell and Harvey Weinstein at Royal Lodge ahead of his daughter Princess Beatrice's 18th birthday celebrations at Windsor Castle in 2006.

Earlier this week, King Charles was heckled as he met crowds during a visit to Lichfield Cathedral in the Midlands by a man who shouted: "How long have you known about Andrew and Epstein?"