The King has taken the dramatic decision to formally strip his brother Andrew of his Prince and Duke of York titles and HRH style, a move that ends his public life.
The disgraced royal will effectively have the status of a commoner and will be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, after Virginia Giuffre’s devastating memoir of sexual abuse and his friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein led to his downfall.
It is understood that although Andrew denies the accusations, Buckingham Palace considers that there have been “serious lapses of judgment”.
The statement from the palace said: “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 will move to a property on the Sandringham Estate, it’s understood. Any future accommodation will be privately funded by the King.
The family of Ms Giuffre, who died in April, said the move was a victory for her and that she “brought down a prince with her truth and extraordinary courage”.
Key Points
- King strips Andrew of prince title
- Royal to be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor
- Andrew to move to Sandringham Estate after leaving Royal Lodge
- 'Serious lapses' in Andrew's judgment prompted King to act
- Prince William backs father's action against uncle
- Virginia Giuffre 'declares victory', her family say
Andrew quit royal duties after disastrous interview
03:05 , Jane DaltonAndrew, 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 DaltonAndrew 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 DaltonAndrew’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 DaltonDemocratic 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 WhittakerTory 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.”
'This is a moment that is unprecedented in history,' said Giuffre's brother
Thursday 30 October 2025 23:19 , Rebecca WhittakerVirginia 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 WhittakerSpeaking 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 WhittakerGiuffre's sister-in-law says the King is setting a 'precedent for the rest of the world'
Thursday 30 October 2025 23:12 , Rebecca WhittakerVirginia 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 DaltonSigrid 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 WhittakerVirginia 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 WhittakerLiberal 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 WhittakerAndrew 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 DaltonPrince 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.
Culture secretary says King's step 'brave, important and right'
Thursday 30 October 2025 21:55 , Jane DaltonRemoving 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 DaltonThe 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 DaltonA 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 DaltonThe 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 DaltonHistorian 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 DaltonThe 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.
“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.”
Giuffre memoir sealed Andrew's fate
Thursday 30 October 2025 20:38 , Jane DaltonAndrew’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.
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 DaltonHistorian 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.”
From Queen’s favourite to Epstein claims: Timeline of scandals
Thursday 30 October 2025 20:14 , Jane Dalton
Timeline of Prince Andrew scandals: From Queen’s favourite to Epstein allegations
King will provide 'appropriate' funding for Andrew
Thursday 30 October 2025 20:00 , Jane DaltonAndrew 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’
Ex-wife Sarah Ferguson will also quit Royal Lodge
Thursday 30 October 2025 19:55 , Jane DaltonAndrew’s ex-wife Sarah Ferguson will also move out of the Royal Lodge and will sort her own living arrangements.
The couple were living there together despite being divorced in 1996.
Andrew’s position had become untenable, says LibDem leader
Thursday 30 October 2025 19:47 , Jane DaltonLiberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has backed the King in his decision to remove Andrew’s titles.
He said: “The King is absolutely right to strip Prince Andrew of both his titles and his residence at the Royal Lodge.
“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.”
Prince William backed action against Andrew
Thursday 30 October 2025 19:45 , Jane DaltonA palace source said the decisions on Andrew were taken by King Charles, but that he had the support of the wider family, including heir-to-the-throne Prince William.
While Andrew continued to deny the accusations against him, it was clear that there had been serious lapses of judgement, the source stated.
The palace said the censures on Andrew were 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 will move to Sandringham 'as soon as practicable'
Thursday 30 October 2025 19:40 , Jane DaltonAndrew’s move to the Sandringham Estate will take place "as soon as practicable", it’s understood.
The late Queen spent about two months a year on the 20,000-acre Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.
'Serious lapses' in Andrew's judgment prompted King to act
Thursday 30 October 2025 19:31 , Jane DaltonThe King’s action was taken because there have been serious lapses in Andrew’s judgment, it is understood, although he continues to deny the accusations against him.
The developments required legal and constitutional expertise and support from the wider family to bring about.
The King initiated the process and Andrew did not object, it is understood.
The government was consulted and made it clear it supported the decision as constitutionally proper.
Badenoch says actions would have been difficult for King
Thursday 30 October 2025 19:28 , Jane DaltonIt must have been very difficult for the King to strip his brother of his titles and Royal Lodge residence, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch says.
Speaking on LBC Radio, 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.”
Andrew to be plain Mountbatten Windsor after losing title
Thursday 30 October 2025 19:26 , Jane DaltonPrince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, after being stripped of his titles and honours, Buckingham Palace says.
Mountbatten-Windsor combines the royal family's House name of Windsor and Prince Philip's adopted surname of Mountbatten.
Prince Andrew to move into Sandringham Estate home
Thursday 30 October 2025 19:24 , Jane DaltonPrince Andrew will move to a property on the Sandringham Estate, it is understood.
Any future accommodation will be privately funded by the King.
Andrew’s peppercorn rent on Royal Lodge had been under scrutiny by MPs and the public.
Andrew given notice to quit Royal Lodge
Thursday 30 October 2025 19:22 , Jane DaltonFormal notice has been served on Andrew to surrender his lease at the Royal Lodge in Windsor, Buckingham Palace said in a statement.
“His lease on Royal Lodge has, to date, provided him with legal protection to continue in residence,” the palace said.
“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.”
Breaking news: King strips Andrew of titles and honours
Thursday 30 October 2025 19:05 , Jane DaltonBuckingham Palace says the King has initiated a formal process to remove Prince Andrew’s titles and honours.
It said the process would remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew".
He would now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.
Republic crowdfunding legal action
Thursday 30 October 2025 19:05 , Jane DaltonAnti-monarchy campaign group Republic has launched a crowdfunding appeal to raise £50,000 for its legal action against Prince Andrew.
Funders have already given almost £5,700.
The group said: “A private prosecution has the same power as when the police prosecute an alleged criminal.
“It is not easy to do and costs money, but Republic is keen to ensure that credible accusations against Prince Andrew are met with proper accountability and a sense of justice for the alleged victims and the wider public.”
Watch: Virginia Giuffre's brother says decision to relinquish Prince Andrew's titles 'vindicates' her
Thursday 30 October 2025 18:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneRecap: Four out of five Britons want Prince Andrew to be formally stripped of his dukedom
Thursday 30 October 2025 17:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneFour out of five Brits want Prince Andrew to be formally stripped of his dukedom, a poll from YouGov revealed.
The prince has already announced his intention to stop using the Duke of York title - but only an Act of Parliament can remove it officially.
The survey showed that 63 per cent of nearly 6,700 adults questioned were “strongly” in favour of formal removal of the dukedom and 17 per cent “somewhat” supporting the idea, while 6 per cent were opposed to it – 4 per cent somewhat and 2 per cent strongly – and 14 per cent did not know.
Andrew under pressure to help the FBI
Thursday 30 October 2025 17:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneLast week, cabinet minister Peter Kyle on Tuesday urged Andrew to cooperate with the US authorities and give evidence about Epstein’s crimes.
In 2020, a federal investigator accused Andrew of providing “zero cooperation” with the US inquiry into Epstein and his conspirators, despite having promised that he was willing to help when he stood down from public duties in 2019.
Business secretary Mr Kyle urged him to stick to his word, telling ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “I think anybody that has any information that could bring justice and information to victims of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes should be fully engaging with any of the authorities that are seeking to deliver that information and justice for the victims.”
He added: “Those victims must be first, and they must be central to how we discuss and debate any of these issues relating to the Jeffrey Epstein ... situation, and the crimes he committed. So of course, anybody, anywhere that has information that can deliver that justice should be sharing it openly.
“I believe that Andrew, in the past, has said that he would cooperate, and I urge him to stick to his word on that.”
Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick agreed that Andrew should give evidence to the US authorities “about what he knew and what his involvement was” in the scandal.
Comment: It was essential that Prince Andrew lost his titles
Thursday 30 October 2025 16:30 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
All the royal titles Prince Andrew has given up
Thursday 30 October 2025 16:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneEarlier this month, Prince Andrew relinquished all of his royal titles ahead of the publication of Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir.
While he is still a prince, Andrew will no longer use his Duke of York title, but he will still retain his dukedom, which can only be removed by an Act of Parliament.
You can read about all of the royal titles Prince Andrew has given up below...
Everything Republic said as group brings private prosecution against Prince Andrew
Thursday 30 October 2025 15:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneCampaign group Republic has issued a statement over its decision to bring a private prosecution against Prince Andrew.
In a post on its website, it said: “Campaigners have instructed lawyers to consider a private prosecution against Prince Andrew over allegations of sexual assault, corruption and misconduct in public office.
“Campaign group Republic has long called for the police to investigate and prosecute Andrew and has criticised the political response to the scandal as weak, deferential and inadequate.
“The group has now taken the unprecedented step of instructing a law firm of private prosecution specialists to investigate and if appropriate, commence a private prosecution.
“Republic has made a powerful, principled argument for justice to be done for the victims of sexual abuse, and for those who corrupt public office to be held accountable.
“A wide-ranging poll last week showed that 76% of people in the UK do not believe the royals are treated equally with everyone else when it comes to the law.”
Speaking today, 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."
Watch: Ed Davey calls for inquiry over Prince Andrew Royal Lodge revelations at PMQs
Thursday 30 October 2025 15:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneRecap: Met Police looking into allegations of a bid to smear Giuffre
Thursday 30 October 2025 14:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Met Police have confirmed they are “actively looking” into fresh allegations that Andrew tried to use his police bodyguard to smear his accuser.
The Mail on Sunday claims to have seen leaked emails from 2011 in which Andrew said he had handed over Giuffre’s confidential social security number (SSN) and date of birth to his taxpayer-funded Met Police protection officer, apparently in a bid to dig up dirt on her.
Andrew reportedly wrote in an email to Ed Perkins, Queen Elizabeth’s deputy press secretary: “It would also seem she has a criminal record in the [United] States. I have given her DoB [date of birth] and social security number for investigation with XXX, the on duty ppo [personal protection officer].”
Giuffre’s family have said she does not have a criminal record, and it is not clear whether or not the bodyguard complied with the request.
Timeline of Prince Andrew scandals: From Queen’s favourite to Epstein allegations
Thursday 30 October 2025 14:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePrince Andrew has come under increasing scrutiny since he was caught up in the Epstein scandal in 2019.
Widely purported to be the late Queen’s favourite child, Andrew has suffered a sharp fall from grace over the last decade.
You can read the full timeline of his scandals below...
Timeline of Prince Andrew scandals: From Queen’s favourite to Epstein allegations
King heckled over brother's Epstein ties
Thursday 30 October 2025 13:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneKing Charles was heckled by a protester earlier this week, asking about Prince Andrew's ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
As he shook hands with people during a visit to Lichfield Cathedral in Staffordshire on Monday, Charles was asked whether he had asked police to “cover up” for his brother.
In a video of the incident a protester can be heard shouting: "How long have you known about Andrew and Epstein? Have you asked the police to cover up for Andrew?
"Should MPs be allowed to debate the royals in the House of Commons?"
The King, who was a few feet away, did not respond to the questions and other people could be heard telling the heckler to “go away" and to "shut up".
Who are Republic, the group behind Andrew's private prosecution?
Thursday 30 October 2025 13:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneCampaign group Republic has announced on Thursday it will instruct lawyers to bring a private prosecution against Prince Andrew after allegations of sexual assault.
The pressure group operate with an aim to “replace the monarchy with an elected head of state and more democratic political system,” according to its website.
It has run a number of campaigns and demonstrations against the monarchy before, including most recently protesting outside Andrew’s home, Royal Lodge.
Watch: Most sensational claims against Prince Andrew from Virginia Guiffre's memoir Nobody's Girl
Thursday 30 October 2025 13:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneWhat is a private prosecution?
Thursday 30 October 2025 12:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneMost prosecutions in the UK are brought by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on behalf of the Crown.
In this circumstance, the CPS bears the responsibility for initiating the proceedings and the cost.
However, an individual can choose to bring a prosecution themselves under section 6(1) of the Prosecution of Offences Act (POA) 1985.
In this case, the individual or body behind the prosecution will instruct lawyers and bear the cost of the process themselves.
How Prince Andrew could face Commons scrutiny over title and peppercorn-rent mansion
Thursday 30 October 2025 12:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneMPs could debate Prince Andrew’s conduct, his 30-room mansion and the possibility of stripping him of his dukedom.
The Government has so far refused to allocate time in the House of Commons for MPs to discuss Andrew’s situation because the royal family wants Parliament to focus on “important issues”.
But the issue could be raised on one of the days when ministers are not in control of the parliamentary timetable.
A Liberal Democrat source indicated to the Sunday Times that the party could be prepared to use one of its opposition days to allow MPs to discuss Andrew’s behaviour.
Metropolitan Police previously dismissed sex assault claims
Thursday 30 October 2025 12:08 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Metropolitan Police has previously looked into allegations relating to Andrew and Epstein’s activities in London three times, and opted not to investigate.
The force has repeatedly declined to open a full inquiry into claims that he slept with Guiffre in London when she was 17.
Prince Andrew strenuously denies all the allegations made against him by Ms Giuffre.
The Independent has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment.
Where Prince Andrew could move to if he leaves Royal Lodge
Thursday 30 October 2025 12:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePrince Andrew is said to be in “advanced talks” over his exit from Royal Lodge after his rent-free arrangement was revealed.
But where would he go? Harriette Boucher takes a look at the disgraced royal’s options.
Frogmore Cottage? Where Prince Andrew could move to if he leaves Royal Lodge
Recap: Prince Andrew hosted Epstein at Royal Lodge ‘days before his arrest’
Thursday 30 October 2025 11:38 , Nicole Wootton-CanePrince Andrew hosted Jeffrey Epstein at Royal Lodge while he was wanted on suspicion of sexual assault of a minor, new reports say.
Epstein, who attended alongside Harvey Weinstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, was arrested eight days after the event in 2006.
He visited as part of Andrew’s daughter Beatrice’s 18th birthday celebrations, according to the BBC.
In 2019, Andrew told BBC Newsnight he was “not aware” Epstein was wanted at the time.
Parliament’s spending watchdog raises ‘value for money’ concern over Royal Lodge
Thursday 30 October 2025 11:31 , Nicole Wootton-CaneParliament’s spending watchdog has raised concerns over the value for money of Prince Andrew’s living arrangements amid a furore over his “peppercorn” rent at Royal Lodge.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has written to the Treasury and the Crown Estate asking them to explain the rationale behind the lease on the 30-room mansion by November 28.
In a letter on Wednesday, PAC chairman and Tory MP Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown said: “There is considerable and understandable public interest in the spending of public money in relation to Prince Andrew, which in part stems from the fact that he is no longer a working royal and from serious and disturbing allegations made against him.”
You can read more below...
Parliament’s spending watchdog raises ‘value for money’ concern over Royal Lodge
Prince Andrew faces private prosecution after Epstein scandal
Thursday 30 October 2025 11:28 , Nicole Wootton-CanePrince Andrew is set to face a private prosecution after his links to Jeffrey Epstein have been scrutinised.
Campaign group Republic said they had instructed lawyers to investigate and if appropriate, commence a private prosecution against the disgraced royal.
They said the claim related to allegations of sexual assault, corruption and misconduct in public office.
Speaking today, 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."
Recap: King strips disgraced brother of titles and evicts him
Thursday 30 October 2025 21:11 , Jane DaltonThe King has stripped his disgraced brother Prince Andrew of his remaining titles – prince and duke – and evicted him from his royal residence after weeks of pressure to act over claims of sex abuse by Virginia Giuffre and his relationship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Buckingham Palace said the King "initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew".
Effective immediately, Andrew will be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, and he will move from his Royal Lodge residence into "private accommodation".
"These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him," the palace said.
"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."
