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The Independent UK

Nicole Wootton-Cane and Athena Stavrou

Prince Andrew latest: Royal set to remain in line to throne despite being stripped of princehood

Prince Andrew Andrew Mountbatten Windsor Virginia Giuffre Jeffrey Epstein Rebecca Whittaker Sky Roberts Jane Dalton Royal Lodge King Charles III BBC Newsnight

Questions have been raised about Prince Andrew remaining in the line of succession, despite being stripped of all his titles.

As of Friday morning on the royal family’s official website, Andrew was still listed in eighth place as “The Duke of York” in the line of succession.

An Act of Parliament would need to be introduced to change this, but the government does not want to use parliamentary time to debate the issue.

“There are no plans to make legislative changes,” a No 10 spokesman said, according toThe Telegraph. “Obviously the provisions for MPs to put forward legislation are well-established. Those would be decisions for MPs and Parliament.”

The King took the dramatic decision to officially remove Andrew’s Prince and Duke of York titles and HRH style. He will be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, effectively having the status of a commoner.

It comes after Virginia Giuffre’s devastating posthumous memoir was published, detailing fresh accusations about his ties with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew denies the accusations.

He will now move to a property on the Sandringham Estate, which will be privately funded by the King.

Read the statement from Buckingham Palace stripping Prince Andrew of his titles

Could Prince Andrew ever be prosecuted over his links to Jeffrey Epstein?

Virginia Giuffre’s family reacts to stripping of Andrew’s royal title

What will happen to Princess Beatrice and Eugenie’s titles after King Charles strips Andrew’s?

Key Points

Andrew stripped of ‘prince’ title and evicted
Starmer 'fully supports' King's decision to strip Andrew of titles
King will provide 'appropriate' funding for Andrew
Andrew’s eviction date revealed as talks over where former prince will live continue
'It’s not enough, we have to have some sort of investigation,' Virginia Giuffre's brother said

Recap: Most sensational claims against Prince Andrew from Virginia Guiffre's memoir Nobody's Girl

13:04 , Nicole Wootton-Cane

Andrew should answer US questions on Epstein if asked, minister says

12:52 , Athena Stavrou

Trade minister Sir Chris Bryant told BBC Breakfast: “We warmly, I warmly support what the King is doing today.

“I think the vast majority of people in this country will think that it’s the right thing to do.”

Describing Andrew as now “an ordinary member of the public”, Sir Chris suggested he should go to the US to answer questions about the crimes of the late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, if asked.

He said: “I think that just as with any ordinary member of the public, if there were requests from another jurisdiction of this kind, I would expect any decently-minded person to comply with that request.

“So I feel exactly there same in this situation.”

He added: “What I’m basically saying is that I think that if Andrew is asked to do something by a Senate committee, then I would have thought that he would want to comply.”

Andrew’s eviction date revealed as talks over where former prince will live continue

12:41 , Athena Stavrou

Andrew will have until the end of January to leave the Royal Lodge, it is understood, despite being ordered to leave by the King this week.

In a historic move this week, the Charles announced he is to strip all remaining titles from his brother - including ‘prince’ - and will evict him from the 30-room mansion on the Windsor Estate.

It was believed that Andrew’s move to an undisclosed property on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk would take place as soon as practicable.

However, The Independent understands that Andrew will be able to live at the the Royal Lodge until early 2026, and that discussions are ongoing over which home on the Sandringham estate he will be moving to.

It is also understood that Sarah Ferguson has made clear that she would not accept, as had been suggested by courtiers in earlier negotiations with Andrew over his departure, any home or financial assistance from the royal family.

Read the full story here.

Sarah Ferguson to find own accommodation

12:34 , Nicole Wootton-Cane

Nearly 30 years after Andrew and Sarah Ferguson’s divorce, she will be forced to find her own accommodation.

The pair had previously lived together at Royal Lodge, despite their separation.

But an announcement by Buckingham Palace confirmed that while Andrew will move to Sandringham, Ms Ferguson will not be provided with a new home.

(Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Starmer 'fully supports' King's decision to strip Andrew of titles

12:28 , Athena Stavrou

Sir Keir Starmer fully supports the King’s decision to strip his brother Andrew of his titles, Downing Street has said.

A spokesman for the Prime Minister said: “We fully support the decision taken yesterday by the Palace.

“Our hearts go out to the family of Virginia Giuffre and all the victims who suffered from Jeffrey Epstein’s despicable crimes.”

Referring to Buckingham Palace’s statement last night, he added: “We echo the statement yesterday that our thoughts and utmost sympathies have been and will remain with the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”

Eyebrows raised over why Andrew retains place in line of succession, royal expert warns

12:15 , Nicole Wootton-Cane

Majesty Magazine’s managing editor Joe Little said questions may be raised over the fact Andrew, who is eighth in line to the throne, retains his place in the line of succession.

He told the PA news agency: “I’m sure at some point quite soon, somebody will ask, if they’ve not already done so, why he hasn’t been moved from the line of succession.

“Clearly it would take quite a catastrophe for him to become king given all those that are ahead of him.

“So might it not have been tidier to withdraw him from the line of succession?”

Andrew is a counsellor of state, but this role has previously been described as “inactive”.

Only “working members” of the royal family would be called upon to carry out the sovereign’s duties on a temporary basis as a Counsellor of State in case of illness or overseas travel.

Mr Little suggested it may have been “tidier” to remove that role from Andrew’s portfolio too.

Car believed to be part of Andrew's private security pictured near Royal Lodge

12:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane

A car understood to be part of Andrew’s private security has been pictured driving towards the gates to Windsor Great Park following the announcement the disgraced royal will have to surrender the lease on his 30-room mansion.

Where does Andrew fall in the line of succession?

11:45 , Nicole Wootton-Cane

Andrew may have been stripped of his prince title, but he still retains his place in the line of succession.

The disgraced royal sits at eighth in line for the throne after the Prince of Wales and his children and Prince Harry’s children.

Andrew to lose his prince title and move out of Royal Lodge

11:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

A look at Prince Andrew's antics and scandals that have tried royal patience for decades

11:15 , Nicole Wootton-Cane

Prince Andrew is losing his birthright title and being evicted from Royal Lodge following recent revelations about his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The scandal proved one too many for his brother, King Charles III, who took action Thursday, according to Buckingham Palace.

We’ve taken a look at the scandals and behaviour that has tested the patience of the royal family for decades...

A look at Prince Andrew's antics and scandals that have tried royal patience for decades

Andrew 'owes it to victims' to give evidence, Congressman says

11:03 , Nicole Wootton-Cane

Democratic Congressman Suhas Subramanyam, who has previously called for Prince Andrew to testify before a US Congressional committee about his links to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell to “clear his name”, has again urged Andrew to give evidence.

In a statement, he said: “It’s clear that Prince Andrew has information about Epstein’s crimes and he must do more than just give up titles or hide from the public spotlight.

“He owes it to the victims to share everything he knows about Epstein’s criminal operation and come before the Oversight Committee.

“Regardless, we will continue to pursue the files and all the evidence, no matter how rich and powerful the perpetrators involved.”

Andrew situation reached 'tipping point', former royal comms chief says

10:41 , Nicole Wootton-Cane

The royal family reached “tipping point” following the publication of Virginia Giuffre’s harrowing posthumous memoir, a former communications secretary to the King and Queen, told BBC Radio 4'sToday programme.

Julian Payne said Andrew had become a "huge distraction" from the royal family’s duties, and that it was time for “decisive action”.

Mountbatten Windsor: Where does Andrew’s new name come from?

10:30 , Nicole Wootton-Cane

After being stripped of his royal titles, Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, the King announced.

Previously known as Prince Andrew, Duke of York, the former prince will take on the surname designated to Queen Elizabeth’s descendants who do not carry royal titles.

Windsor was the name adopted by King George V in 1917 after he dropped his surname of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha due to anti-German sentiment.

Mountbatten is an Anglicised version of Battenberg, Prince Philip’s mother’s family name.

You can read more about the name below...

Mountbatten Windsor: Where does Andrew’s new name come from?

Andrew's name struck from official roll of the peerage

10:20 , Nicole Wootton-Cane

Andrew’s name no longer appears on the official roll of the peerage, marking a key step in formally removing his titles.

Buckingham Palace confirmed Andrew’s name had been struck off.

Dukes, including the Duke of York, are listed on the roll of the peerage maintained at the Crown Office.

As Lord Chancellor, David Lammy is responsible for maintaining the peerage roll.

Andrew has been stripped of his royal titles (Jacob King/PA) (PA Archive)

Royal family 'vulnerable' to further questions, former correspondent warns

10:13 , Nicole Wootton-Cane

Former BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt said the royal family remains “vulnerable” to further questions about what they knew and when, and the timing of their decision to act.

He told the PA news agency: “Senior royals acted from a position of fear, not strength. They fear further revelations about Epstein’s relationship with Andrew and they are fearful of remaining out of step with public opinion.

“They remain vulnerable to MPs and journalists continuing to ask questions about what they knew when; why didn’t they act sooner; and how did Andrew fund his settlement with Virginia Giuffre?

“As they attempt to restore credibility and trust in an ancient institution, they desperately want to avoid questions about royal finances, including ones about the amount of rent they pay for their various properties.”

Andrew could face private prosecution by anti-monarchy group

10:01 , Nicole Wootton-Cane

Andrew could be hauled to court in a private prosecution led by anti-monarchy campaign group Republic.

On Thursday, the group announced it had instructed lawyers to begin looking into proceedings against Andrew over allegations of “sexual assault, corruption and misconduct in public office”.

Republic's CEO, 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."

Front pages on Friday as Andrew stripped of titles

09:45 , Nicole Wootton-Cane

The British and international press has led on the news of Andrew’s titles being taken away after Buckingham Palace’s announcement on Thursday evening.

ICYMI: King Charles’ statement in full as Andrew is stripped of prince title and home

09:30 , Nicole Wootton-Cane

Andrew has been officially stripped of his titles and forced to leave Royal Lodge amid scrutiny over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

The former Duke of York’s friendship with the paedophile financier has been the subject of speculation for years.

But amid the fallout over sex abuse accuser Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir Nobody’s Girl, in which new allegations are made against Andrew, new questions arose - particularly over his rent-free residence at Royal Lodge.

You can read everything King Charles said as he stripped Andrew of his titles below...

King Charles’ statement in full as Andrew is stripped of prince title and home

Andrew now 'ordinary member of the public,' minister says

09:15 , Nicole Wootton-Cane

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor is now an "ordinary member of the public," a minister has said, as he appeared to encourage the King's brother to co-operate with any investigations into Jeffrey Epstein.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, trade minister Sir Chris Bryant was asked whether he thought there should be a legal process.

He told the programme: "First and foremost, he is now an ordinary member of the public, and I as a government minister, wouldn't be advising any ordinary member of the public how they should conduct their legal requirements and so on.

"But I would have thought that any decent person would want to cooperate with whatever investigations there may be that continue."

He later added: "As I say, he's an ordinary member of the public now, so it's not a matter for government how he moves forward."

Sir Chris Bryant (Yui Mok/PA) (PA Archive)

Sandringham Estate: The Queen’s favourite retreat where Andrew will move after Royal Lodge exit

09:00 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Prince Andrew is set to relocate to King Charles’s 8,000-hectare Sandringham Estate in Norfolk after it was announced he will leave the 31-bedroom Royal Lodge in Windsor and be stripped of his remaining titles.

His new accommodation will be privately funded by the King, while Sarah Ferguson must now find her own residence, despite Andrew’s demands for a home for them each.

The move follows weeks of mounting public criticism surrounding Andrew’s long-standing friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and the sexual abuse allegations made by Virginia Giuffre, which he has strenuously denied.

He has also faced severe scrutiny by MPs and the public after it was revealed he hadn’t paid rent on the Royal Lodge in over 20 years.

In pictures: Journalists wait at an entrance near to the Royal Lodge, following the announcement that Prince Andrew will be stripped of his titles

08:40 , Nicole Wootton-Cane

Watch: Question Time Audience Bursts Into Applause As Andrew Stripped Of 'Prince' Title

08:15 , Nicole Wootton-Cane

What will happen to Princess Beatrice and Eugenie’s titles after King Charles strips Andrew’s?

08:00 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Prince Andrew’s daughters will remain in the royal fold despite the King beginning the formal process to strip Andrew of his titles in the aftermath of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.

Andrew, who will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, has also agreed to leave his home at Royal Lodge, as his links to paedophile financier Epstein continue to cause controversy, Buckingham Palace said.

It is understood that although Andrew denies the accusations, Buckingham Palace believes there have been “serious lapses of judgment”.

As daughters of the son of a Sovereign, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie will retain their titles in line with King George V’s Letters Patent of 1917.

The sisters will be welcome to join the gathering at Sandringham for Christmas and other royal family events, it is understood.

Could Prince Andrew ever be prosecuted over his links to Jeffrey Epstein?

07:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The Metropolitan Police are “actively looking” into claims that the royal tried to use his bodyguard to smear his accuser Virginia Giuffre – as her family urged the force to reopen an inquiry into her alleged abuse:

Could Prince Andrew ever be prosecuted over his links to Jeffrey Epstein?

Monarchy 'needs to be held accountable', MP says

07:16 , Nicole Wootton-Cane

A York MP has said that the monarchy need to be "accountable" in the wake of the King’s decision to strip Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his titles.

Rachael Maskell told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: “I think the world’s moved on, and we need the monarchy to be accountable by all means, not least to the public.

“When we saw 80% of the public saying remove those titles, I’m sure there is relief across the country now that that has been done.”

Ms Maskell, who represents York Central introduced a Bill in the Commons to make it easier for the King to remove titles suggested there was still a need to change the law.

She said: “We know that peers, for instance, have ended up in jail, so I think we need to look at the whole system.

“And my Bill would have enabled people with all forms of peerages, baronets and dukes and princes and princesses, to have those titles removed, a mechanism which could be carried forward, not for just one circumstance, but all circumstances.”

Labour MP for York Central Rachael Maskell (Danny Lawson/PA) (PA Archive)

MPs back King's decision

07:00 , Jane Dalton

Politicians have backed the King's decision to strip Prince Andrew of his titles and Royal Lodge residence.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said: "I'm afraid the whole Jeffrey Epstein saga and everyone it has touched, from Prince Andrew to Peter Mandelson, has just shown that the public has no truck whatsoever with any kind of sexual abuse, sexual offences, especially of minors. And I think that that's quite right."

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said Charles was absolutely right to do so.

He added: "It's clear that Andrew's position had become totally untenable, having disgraced his office and embarrassed the country.”

The leader of the Scottish National Party in Westminster, Stephen Flynn, said: "The right decision and an important moment for the victims of Epstein.

"I hope all those who were elected to Parliament and chose to defend inaction rather than speak out now regret the choice they made."

All the royal titles Prince Andrew has given up

06:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Andrew will no longer have his Prince or Duke of York title, and will be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, effectively having the status of a commoner.

He was born with his prince title and given the title of the Duke of York by his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, on the morning of his wedding. It was a title for which the Queen had a great personal affection, being the one held by her beloved father, King George VI, before he acceded the throne.

King Charles’ statement in full as Andrew is stripped of prince title and home

06:00 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Read the King’s statement in full:

“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.”

Timeline of Prince Andrew scandals: From Queen’s favourite to Epstein allegations – and losing his titles

05:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Late monarch’s middle child has seen his reputation damaged over his friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and a car crash BBC interview:

Timeline of Prince Andrew scandals: From Queen’s favourite to Epstein allegations

King's action is victory for Virginia Giuffre, her family say

05:00 , Jane Dalton

The family of Virginia Giuffre, who said she was trafficked and forced to have sex with Andrew, say Andrew’s being stripped of his title and home is a victory for Ms Giuffre.

“Today, an ordinary American girl from an ordinary American family brought down a British prince with her truth and extraordinary courage,” they said.

“Virginia Roberts Giuffre, our sister, a child when she was sexually assaulted by Andrew, never stopped fighting for accountability for what had happened to her and countless other survivors like her.

“Today, she declares a victory.

“We, her family, along with her survivor sisters, continue Virginia’s battle and will not rest until the same accountability applies to all of her abusers and abetters, connected to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.”

Ms Giuffre, who died by suicide in April, brought a civil claim against Andrew.

Virginia Guiffre brought a civil claim against Andrew (BBC/Panorama)

Giuffre 'brought down a British prince', family says

04:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

King Charles has formally stripped Prince Andrew of all his royal titles and the “His Royal Highness” style, forcing him to vacate Royal Lodge and live as a private citizen, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.

The move follows years of scandal over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein and sexual assault allegations by Virginia Giuffre, who died earlier this year.

Giuffre’s family hailed the decision, saying she “brought down a British prince with her truth and extraordinary courage”.

Her lawyer called it a historic “tipping point” for survivors of abuse.

The family said she “never stopped fighting for accountability for what had happened to her and countless other survivors like her”.

“Today, she declares a victory. We, her family, along with her survivor sisters, continue Virginia’s battle and will not rest until the same accountability applies to all of her abusers and abetters, connected to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.”

Watch: Andrew evicted and stripped of titles

04:00 , Jane Dalton

Andrew stripped of ‘prince’ title and evicted – full report

03:30 , Jane Dalton

Andrew stripped of ‘prince’ title and evicted from Royal Lodge

Andrew quit royal duties after disastrous interview

03:05 , Jane Dalton

Andrew, 65, has long denied Virginia Giuffre's claims, but stepped down from royal duties after a disastrous 2019 BBC interview in which he attempted to deny her allegations.

Andrew paid millions in an out-of-court settlement in 2022 after she filed a civil suit against him in New York.

While he did not admit wrongdoing, he acknowledged her suffering as a victim of sex trafficking.

Emily Maitlis says Prince Andrew ‘lied to me’ in Newsnight interview

King will provide 'appropriate' funding for Andrew

01:59 , Jane Dalton

Andrew will receive an “appropriate” private provision from the King, it is understood.

Any other sources of income will be a matter for the former duke.

In 2021 a royal finance expert said: “Prince Andrew’s finances are shrouded in a pea soup of impenetrability.”

Queen ‘to spend millions funding Prince Andrew’s defence against sex abuse claims’

Virginia Giuffre suffered nightmares after sex abuse

00:50 , Jane Dalton

Andrew’s friendship and association with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein had been known for years, but it was the publication this month of Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir, Nobody’s Girl, that reignited public anger and brought matters to a head.

In it, she said she suffered nightmares of ‘greedy men on top of her’ years after the abuse:

Epstein accuser Giuffre had nightmares of ‘greedy men on top of her’ after abuse

US congressman urges Andrew to give evidence

Thursday 30 October 2025 23:45 , Jane Dalton

Democratic Congressman Suhas Subramanyam, who has previously called for Andrew to testify before a US Congressional committee about his links to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell to “clear his name”, has again urged Andrew to give evidence.

He said: “It’s clear that Prince Andrew has information about Epstein’s crimes and he must do more than just give up titles or hide from the public spotlight.

“He owes it to the victims to share everything he knows about Epstein’s criminal operation and come before the Oversight Committee.

“Regardless, we will continue to pursue the files and all the evidence, no matter how rich and powerful the perpetrators involved.”

Tory leader acknowledges it must have been 'difficult' for the King to take steps against his sibling

Thursday 30 October 2025 23:30 , Rebecca Whittaker

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said it must have been “very difficult” for the King to take the steps against his sibling, but that it was right for the public not to tolerate sexual abuse allegations.

Speaking on an LBC Radio phone-in, she said: “I’ve been following this story more about a family. It’s a very sad state of affairs.

“I think that the King has clearly felt that this is the right decision for the royal family. It must have been a very difficult thing for him to have done. I mean, having to do that to your own brother.

“But the standards and expectations in society now are very high. People expect to see the very highest levels of integrity.

“And I’m afraid the whole Jeffrey Epstein saga and everyone it has touched, from Prince Andrew to Peter Mandelson, has just shown that the public has no truck whatsoever with any kind of sexual abuse, sexual offences, especially of minors. And I think that that’s quite right.”

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said it was right the public have zero tolerance for sexual abuse (Lucy North/PA) (PA Wire)

'This is a moment that is unprecedented in history,' said Giuffre's brother

Thursday 30 October 2025 23:19 , Rebecca Whittaker

Virginia Giuffre’s brother lauded the removal of Andrew’s prince and HRH titles as “a moment that is unprecedented in history”.

Sky Roberts told BBC Newsnight his late sister would be “so proud”.

“He’s just Andrew,” he said. “He’s no longer a prince, and she (Ms Giuffre) would be, she is celebrating from the heavens right now, saying I did it.”

He broke down in tears before adding: “This normal girl from a normal family has taken down a prince. We are so proud of her.

“Her survivors are proud of her, her sisters. This is a moment that is unprecedented in history.”

'It’s not enough, we have to have some sort of investigation,' Virginia Giuffre's brother said

Thursday 30 October 2025 23:18 , Rebecca Whittaker

Speaking to BBC Newsnight, Sky Roberts thanked Charles for the Buckingham Palace statement that mentioned “thoughts and utmost sympathies” with “victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse”.

Mr Roberts said: “But it’s not enough, it’s not enough, we have to have some sort of investigation that goes further into this.

“I mean he’s (Andrew) still walking around a free man.

“I commend the King, I think he’s doing an amazing job as a world leader, setting a precedent, but we need to take it one more step further: he (Andrew) needs to be behind bars, period.”

Watch: Andrew to lose his prince title and move out of Royal Lodge

Thursday 30 October 2025 23:15 , Rebecca Whittaker

Giuffre's sister-in-law says the King is setting a 'precedent for the rest of the world'

Thursday 30 October 2025 23:12 , Rebecca Whittaker

Virginia Giuffre's sister-in-law Amanda told BBC Newsnight King Charles is "setting a precedent for the rest of the world leaders out there to actually come forward and say even if it is my brother I'm going to hold him to account because I believe survivors".

But she added Andrew will still be “walking around a free man” and called for a further investigation.

Victim's bravery has changed history, says lawyer

Thursday 30 October 2025 22:55 , Jane Dalton

Sigrid McCawley, a lawyer for Virginia Giuffre during her civil sex assault case against Prince Andrew, said the King stripping Andrew's titles was a "tipping point".

She said: "The voice of Virginia Giuffre has changed history. Her bravery, determination and resilient spirit has led to this defining moment.

"As we account for the tipping point significance of the King stripping the title Prince from his brother Andrew, it should be a lesson for all to listen, hear and believe survivors of abuse."

Giuffre's family say it is a 'bittersweet moment'

Thursday 30 October 2025 22:45 , Rebecca Whittaker

Virginia Giuffre's brother Sky has said Andrew being stripped of his titles is a “bittersweet moment.”

Sky told BBC Newsnight: "It's a bittersweet moment, we feel like its a very vindicating moment for our sister but its also very surreal."

Ms Giuffres’s sister-in-law Amanda added that she “broke down” when she heard the news. She said Virginia "didn't get a chance to see this in her lifetime, but everything she fought for wasn't in vain. It truly is a moment for her and all survivors".

Sir Ed Davey says the King is doing the 'right' thing

Thursday 30 October 2025 22:33 , Rebecca Whittaker

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said Charles is doing the “absolutely right” thing.

He added: “It’s clear that Andrew’s position had become totally untenable, having disgraced his office and embarrassed the country.

“This is an important step towards rebuilding trust in our institutions and drawing a line under this whole sorry saga.”

Royal historian says it's the moment the Royals 'hoped would never come'

Thursday 30 October 2025 22:25 , Rebecca Whittaker

Andrew being stripped of his titles is the moment the Royal Family "hoped would never come", Royal Historian Sarah Gristwood said.

Speaking on BBC World Service's Newshour programme, she said: "The fact they have moved so decisively shows just how seriously they take the story and the damage it could do to the monarchy as a whole”.

“It's only now that it's become apparent that Andrew has to be a pariah, that he can never have a place in Royal circles again,” she added.

Beatrice and Eugenie to retain titles

Thursday 30 October 2025 22:00 , Jane Dalton

Prince Andrew’s daughters will remain in the royal fold after the King began the formal process to strip him of his titles.

As daughters of the son of a Sovereign, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie will retain their titles in line with King George V’s Letters Patent of 1917.

The sisters will be welcome to join the gathering at Sandringham for Christmas and other royal family events, it is understood.

Prince William “pressured” princesses Eugenie and Beatrice to encourage their father to leave Royal Lodge, it’s been reported.

Princess Eugenie of York, Princess Beatrice of York and Andrew (Getty)

Culture secretary says King's step 'brave, important and right'

Thursday 30 October 2025 21:55 , Jane Dalton

Removing Andrew’s titles is a “really brave, important and right step” by the King, and sends a powerful message to sex abuse victims, culture secretary Lisa Nandy says.

The minister told BBC Question Time: “Obviously this is a huge development and a big step for the King to take.

“I have to say, just, you know, as an initial response, I really support the step that he’s taken.

“I think (it’s) a very powerful message to the victims of grooming and sex offences. I used to work with children who’d been abused before I came into Parliament, including many of the girls who’d been horrifically abused by grooming gangs.

“I read some of the testimony from some of the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, not just at the time, but recently, with news stories that have come to light.

“And I think, you know, given the new information that we have, I think this is a really brave, important and right step by the King, and I fully support it.”

I hope MPs who defended inaction regret it, says SNP MP

Thursday 30 October 2025 21:40 , Jane Dalton

The leader of the Scottish National Party in Westminster, Stephen Flynn, said on social media stripping Andrew of his title and honours was the right decision and an important moment for Epstein’s victims.

“I hope all those who were elected to Parliament and chose to defend inaction rather than speak out now regret the choice they made,” he wrote.

The SNP had put forward a motion to create a new law to formally strip Andrew of his dukedom.

Cars going to and from Windsor park near Andrew's home

Thursday 30 October 2025 21:32 , Jane Dalton

A number of cars have been seen coming and going through the gate to Windsor’s Great Park on Bishopsgate Road, near Royal Lodge.

It follows the announcement that Prince Andrew will be stripped of his titles and leave the 30-room mansion he has occupied for more than 20 years.

The gate is guarded by two officers and the lights are on.

Could Andrew ever be prosecuted?

Thursday 30 October 2025 21:21 , Jane Dalton

The Met Police say they are actively looking into allegations that Andrew tried to use his police bodyguard to smear his accuser.

And legal experts say the allegations could also prompt a criminal investigation in the US.

Could Prince Andrew ever be prosecuted over his links to Jeffrey Epstein?

More likely Andrew will face investigation now, says historian

Thursday 30 October 2025 21:05 , Jane Dalton

Historian Andrew Lownie, author of The Rise and Fall of the House of York, said he believed the palace distancing itself from Andrew would increase the chances the former prince would be investigated.

“I’ve been saying for some time that they’re going to throw Andrew under the bus to save themselves and this is the first indication of that,” he told the BBC.

“This should have been done years ago.

“There were opportunities in 2019, 2022, and I think it’s been Virginia Giuffre’s book, some of the recent press disclosures, the fact that I kind of pulled a lot of this together in my book, I think has kind of made the palace realise that there is a big problem here.”

Read King Charles’ statement in full

Thursday 30 October 2025 20:55 , Jane Dalton

King Charles’ statement in full as Andrew is stripped of prince title and home

Action is victory for Virginia Giuffre, her family say

Thursday 30 October 2025 20:44 , Jane Dalton

The family of Andrew’s main accuser Virginia Giuffre have said that “today, she declares a victory” and that she “brought down a British prince with her truth and extraordinary courage.”

The statement, given to the BBC, read: “Today, an ordinary American girl from an ordinary American family brought down a British prince with her truth and extraordinary courage.

“Today, she declares a victory.

Sky and Amanda Roberts, Ms Giuffre's brother and sister-in-law (Channel 4)

Giuffre memoir sealed Andrew's fate

Thursday 30 October 2025 20:38 , Jane Dalton

Among her claims was that Andrew behaved as though he believed having sex with her was his birthright.

Prince Andrew believed sex with me was his birthright, Virginia Giuffre book claims

Not all over for Andrew, historian warns

Thursday 30 October 2025 20:22 , Jane Dalton

Historian Andrew Lownie, author of The Rise and Fall of the House of York, said Buckingham Palace were “finally getting ahead of the story”, but said of Andrew: “I don’t think it’s all over for him.”

Mr Lownie told the BBC: “They’re finally getting ahead of the story.

“I don’t think it’s the end of it, I think there are many more disclosures to come, but at least they’re taking some decisive action. And I think that’s good.

“I’m not sure it will completely satisfy the public disquiet, but it’s at least something.

“I do think that there are grounds for Andrew to be investigated and, if necessary, charged on a whole variety of things ranging from misconduct in public office to some of the sexual trafficking rules.

“So, I don’t think it’s all over for him, but at least the palace seemed to be getting ahead of the story, rather than reacting to it.”