The King's disgraced brother Andrew is not expected to move from his Windsor mansion to Sandringham until after Christmas because of the lengthy process of giving up his home.
The delay will ensure that the Royal family avoids a potentially awkward encounter during their traditional Christmas get-together at Sandringham.
Meanwhile Keir Starmer has said there are no plans to remove him from from the line of succession, in the latest developments since King Charles took the dramatic decision to formally strip his brother of his Prince and Duke of York titles and HRH style.
On Friday Buckingham Palace also said Andrew Mountbatten Windsor has been struck from the official roll of the peerage.
Earlier on Friday, a minister said King’s decision to strip Andrew of his titles is “warmly” welcomed by the Government.
Trade minister Sir Chris Bryant also suggested Andrew should go to the US to answer questions about the crimes of the late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, if asked.
Andrew had tainted the reputation of the royal family with his association with Epstein and, for many years, was dogged by allegations he sexually abused Virginia Giuffre, who took her own life in April, after she was trafficked by the financier. He has strenuously denied the allegations.
In a statement, Ms Giuffre's family said: "Today, an ordinary American girl from an ordinary American family brought down a British prince with her truth and extraordinary courage.”
Follow the latest updates below...
Key Points
- Andrew stripped of Prince title and forced to quit Royal Lodge as King takes action against disgraced brother
- Virginia Giuffre’s family say she ‘brought down a British Prince with courage’
- What's next for Sarah Ferguson?
- Question Time audience bursts into applause as Fiona Bruce announces Andrew is being stripped of Prince title
- Andrew’s name scrubbed from peerage roll in key step to strip him of titles
- Andrew's move to Sandringham won't happen until after Christmas
End of coverage
21:31 , Megan HoweThank you for keeping up to date with our Royals latest live blog.
Our coverage has now ended for the day.
Fifty-eight percent of Brits say Royal Family too hasty on stripping Andrew of his titles, according to YouGov poll
21:01 , Megan HoweA new YouGov poll has found that while 79% of people questioned backed the King's decision to strip Andrew of his titles, 58% of the 4,739 adults quizzed on Friday felt the royal family had moved too slowly in dealing with the controversy.
It appears the royal family is distancing itself from Andrew and attempting to limit any brand damage to the monarchy if future revelations involving him come to light.
There has also been a series of damaging newspaper allegations including that Andrew tried to get the Metropolitan Police to dig up dirt for a smear campaign against Ms Giuffre.
The force said previously it is looking into the allegations after the Mail on Sunday claimed Andrew passed Ms Giuffre's date of birth and social security number to his taxpayer-funded bodyguard in 2011 and asked him to investigate.
Will Andrew keep late Queen's corgis?
20:34 , Megan HoweWhile we know Andrew and Fergie will move out of their Windsor home after Christmas, the fate of the Queen’s corgis remains a mystery.
After the Queen’s death in 2022, it was announced Andrew and Fergie would take ownership of her four-legged companions, Muick and Sandy.
The dogs moved to Royal Lodge and quickly settled in, according to Fergie.
It's not clear if Andrew will end up in a different house to his ex-wife and his daughters, but Buckingham Palace say the dogs will remain "in the care of their family".
However, it is unclear where they will end up or who with.
Andrew has lost everything. But other Epstein associates have got away
19:27 , Megan HoweIt was right that Andrew was called to account for his actions, though it must continue to be said that he has denied the allegations against him, writes Melanie McDonagh.
But I would say that righteous vengeance has its limits and that limit has been reached.
Andrew has lost everything but other Epstein associates have got away
Andrew should go to the US and speak to law enforcement, lawyer says
18:57 , Megan HoweA lawyer representing 27 alleged victims of Jeffrey Epstein has said Andrew should voluntarily travel to the US to speak with law enforcement.
The former Duke of York has so far ignored calls to assist the Epstein investigation, speaking publicly on the matter only during his widely criticized 2019 Newsnight interview, which was not under oath.
Gloria Allred told Sky News that stripping Andrew of his titles was an “appropriate” punishment but insisted it was not enough.
“He should do the right thing by the victims, which is to speak to law enforcement in the United States, FBI, Homeland Security and/or Congress,” she said.
Queen's concern for sex abuse victims influenced decision to strip Andrew of titles
18:23 , Matt WattsThe Queen’s concern for sex abuse victims helped inform Buckingham Palace’s decision to strip him of his titles, it has been reported.
It is understood Camilla expressed concerns that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor’s association with Jeffrey Epstein was getting in the way of her work supporting sex abuse victims, the Telegraph said.
Having spent decades helping rape and sex abuse survivors,she was appalled at Andrew’s association with the convicted sex offender and increasingly felt it was compromising her work, the newspaper reported.
It is understood her concerns fed into the decision-making process that led to him losing all of his titles and his Royal Lodge home.
Poll shows overwhelming support for King stripping Andrew of titles
18:14 , Matt WattsA new poll by YouGov shows overwhelming support for the King stripping Andrew of his titles.
79% of people surveyed in the YouGov poll said taking away his title of prince was the right thing to do.
But 58% think the royals have dealt with revelations about Andrew's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein too slowly and just 21% think they've acted at about the right speed.
YouGov polled 4,739 people on Friday for the survey.
Andrew's move to Sandringham won't happen until after Christmas
17:50 , Megan HoweAndrew will not move from his Windsor mansion to Sandringham until after Christmas because of the lengthy process of giving up his home, it is understood.
According to reports, Andrew will move to a private estate in Norfolk which will be funded by the King.
Sandringham is the venue used by the Royal Family to host their Christmas gathering.
The delay means any potential encounter with Andrew over the festive period will be avoided.
Andrew did not join the Royal Family in Sandringham last year due to ongoing controversy over his alleged links to Yang Tengbo, an alleged Chinese spy attempting to influence the highest levels of British society.
Andrew told Epstein it would be 'good to catch up in person' following release
17:44 , Megan HoweAndrew told disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein it would be "good to catch up in person" after the paedophile was released from prison for prostituting minors, court documents show.
In an email on April 15, 2010, following a suggestion from Epstein that the then-prince should meet American banker Jes Staley, Andrew responded: "I would love to but sadly heading into the stan's today and back via Kiev next Fri/Sat, so will miss him.
"But I will make sure I meet him soon on another trip.
"Also I have no immediate plans to drop by New York but I think I should at some stage soon.
"I'll look and see if I can make a couple of days before the summer.
"It would be good to catch up in person."
The pair were later pictured together in Central Park in New York in December 2010 in a meeting Andrew claimed in his 2019 Newsnight interview was to break off their friendship.
Calls to change 'Prince Andrew' street names have intensified
17:37 , Megan HoweUp and down the UK, communities are calling for streets named ‘Prince Andrew’ to be officially changed.
In Northern Ireland, councillors are set to debate a proposal in November to change the name of Prince Andrew Way in the coastal Co Antrim town of Carrickfergus.
Mid and East Antrim councillor Aaron Skinner said he would like to see the road named after the late Queen Elizabeth II instead.
Mr Skinner said he has been "inundated" with calls about the issue since news broke of the King's decision to strip his brother of his titles.
"It's very important to us to protect the royal heritage of Carrickfergus and keep that in place and we're very honoured to have that, but we really don't feel, especially in light of the actions by the palace, that it's appropriate to have Prince Andrew (as a name)," he said.
"The title doesn't exist any more, so we've submitted a motion for council officers to look at options to rename it in such a way as to maintain that Royal heritage, and we would love to see it named after, for instance, the late monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, but obviously that's a matter for the royal household.
"So, what we're asking for is the council officers to look at options and come back to council then with how we could rename this and what we could rename it to."
Mr Skinner said he hoped there would be unanimous political backing within the council, for a change.
Brother of Virginia Giuffre says King should put pressure on Trump
17:14 , Megan HoweThe brother of Virginia Giuffre, whose posthumous memoir was published earlier this month, told Sky News he had mixed feelings about the news.
He said there were "a lot of celebratory moments, but also really sad moments because she's not here with us".
Giuffre’s brother said Andrew "should be investigated" and called on the King to pressure on Trump and the US government.
"He should tell President Trump verbatim, 'put your big boy pants on', and let's get these Epstein files released so that we can go after these monsters properly,” he said.
Giuffre’s brother also told Sky he would welcome a conversation with King Charles with "open arms", so that he could "tell my sister's story to the palace".
Andrew has always denied Giuffre's allegations against him.
What will happen to Beatrice, Eugenie and Fergie?
16:49 , Matt WattsAs Andrew is stripped of all his titles and forced to leave his 30-bedroom mansion Royal Lodge to move to Sandringham, many are asking what fate awaits his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson and his children.
While there is no suggestion that Princess Beatrice and Eugenie will be de-titled, nothing has been said about their existing royal perks, like security and the peppercorn rent Eugenie, who mainly lives in Portugal, pays on her London home Ivy Cottage, on the grounds of Kensington Palace.
We take a look at what could happen in this article.
The lost princesses: What will happen to Beatrice and Eugenie?
Government refuses demand to remove Andrew from line of succession
16:41 , Matt WattsThe Government is refusing demands to change the law to remove Andrew Mountbatten Windsor from the line of succession.
MPs from multiple parties, including a Labour minister, have backed new legislation that would prevent Andrew from ever becoming king.
But a No 10 spokesman said on Friday: “There are no plans … The Government is committed to using parliamentary time to improve the lives of working people.”
Asked if the Government would seek to block a private member’s Bill, the spokesman replied: “There are no plans to make legislative changes.
“Obviously the provisions for MPs to put forward legislation are well-established. Those would be decisions for MPs and Parliament.”
Despite having been stripped of all his royal titles, Andrew is still eighth in line to the throne.
An Act of Parliament would need to remove him from the line of succession, in addition to consent from all 14 Commonwealth countries.
The view in Downing Street is that it is so unlikely for Andrew to ever become king that the law does not need changing.
Andrew won't move to Sandringham for months
16:36 , Matt WattsThe King's disgraced brother Andrew will not move from his Windsor mansion to Sandringham until after Christmas, because of the lengthy process of giving up his home.
The former Duke of York has already surrendered the lease on Royal Lodge in Windsor, but the relocation process will be “protracted”, sources said.
The delay will ensure that the Royal family avoids a potentially awkward encounter during their traditional Christmas get-together at Sandringham.
Andrew's decline has been occurring over many years
15:42 , Nuray Bulbul
Andrew’s decline has unfolded over many years, resembling a slow-motion crash for his reputation and standing.
A major factor in the ongoing damage is his consistent refusal to respond in the way the public typically expects in the wake of scandal. Often, those involved might show contrition, step back from public life temporarily, and gradually return.
Andrew, however, has never demonstrated remorse. He has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and may feel he had no reason to apologise.
Throughout the steady erosion of his status — being dropped as a trade envoy, stepping back as a working royal, losing his HRH style, and no longer holding the title Duke of York — he has shown no sign of regret publicly. Even at recent events, such as the Duchess of Kent’s funeral, he appeared unable to stay out of the spotlight.
At no point has Andrew taken steps that could have allowed for rehabilitation, making it increasingly difficult to see how such a process could begin now.
Andrew was one of the many men who exploited Virginia Giuffre
15:22 , Nuray Bulbul
Our understandable focus on Andrew leaves out of account all the other men who participated in her sexual exploitation and that of many other vulnerable girls.
At the end of Virginia Giuffre’s biography she mentions other men whom she was too frightened to name. She writes, “There are certain men who I fear naming. The man who brutally raped me towards the end of my time with Epstein and Maxwell – the man whom I’ve called the former minister … I fear that this man will seek to hurt me if I say his name here. And later, she adds: “I have fears about another man…whom I was forced to have sex with many times. I would love to identify him here. But this man is very wealthy and very powerful.”
Read more here.
Virginia Giuffre's family open to meeting the King
15:04 , Nuray BulbulVirginia Giuffre's brother and sister-in-law said they would welcome a meeting with the King.
"I welcome that conversation with open arms, I would love the opportunity to tell my sister's story to the palace," Sky Roberts told Sky News.
"If the King is saying he stands with survivors out there and if the King is saying he stands with survivors and their victims, then meet with us, have a conversation with us.
"We're real people with real stories that can affect real change and I think my sister did something unprecedented that says advocacy can affect change, advocacy can lead to justice."
Where does King Charles get his money from to fund Andrew?
14:45 , Nuray Bulbul
It’s understood that King Charles will personally cover the cost of Andrew’s new accommodation. But where does this funding come from?
According to the Royal Family’s official website, “The King’s personal income, derived from his private estates and investment portfolio, is used to meet his private expenses.”
For the 2025–2026 financial year, the Sovereign Grant — taxpayer funding allocated for official royal duties and palace upkeep, including ongoing renovations at Buckingham Palace — rose to £132.1 million.
Separately, the King also receives income from the Duchy of Lancaster, a private estate that provides him with the Privy Purse. In the year ending March 2025, the duchy reported profits of £24.4 million.
In addition to these funds, King Charles privately owns several properties, including Sandringham, where Andrew is expected to move, and Balmoral in Scotland.
No 10: No intention to alter the line of succession
14:25 , Nuray BulbulDowning Street has confirmed there are no plans to introduce legislation to alter the line of succession.
Although Andrew remains eighth in line to the throne, removing him would require an act of Parliament. However, the Prime Minister’s spokesperson stated that the Government has no intention of pursuing such action.
Press waiting outside of Royal Lodge
14:09 , Nuray Bulbul
More than 20 members of the press have gathered outside one of the gates leading up to Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, eagerly waiting for any signs Andrew Mountbatten Windsor may leave the property on Friday.
Journalists have been watching vehicles coming in and out of the gates to check for any removal vans or for a view of Andrew himself.
Why the Royal family pick Sandringham for Andrew?
13:55 , Nuray BulbulThe main alternative being discussed was Frogmore Cottage, a smaller property nearby. However, that option would have kept Andrew living comfortably within Windsor, still surrounded by members of the Royal Family. For many people facing financial pressures, such a move might not have seemed like much of a consequence.
Additionally, as Frogmore Cottage belongs to the Crown Estate, despite being under the King’s control, Andrew’s relocation there could have raised further concerns about the use of public resources.
By contrast, moving to Sandringham in Norfolk places Andrew on a private royal estate, where any expenses will be covered by the King himself. The location also offers greater privacy and removes him from close proximity to neighbours such as the Prince and Princess of Wales.
It remains unclear which specific property Andrew will occupy on the estate, though it will not be Wood Farm — the house once favoured by his parents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.
Andrew's move date to Sandringham estate not confirmed yet
13:35 , Nuray BulbulRoyal sources suggest Andrew Mountbatten Windsor’s move from Royal Lodge to Sandringham will not happen immediately.
The relocation will take place “as soon as possible and practicable,” but the process of giving notice, ending the lease, and arranging the logistics is expected to take some time.
There is also speculation that delaying the move until the new year could help avoid the awkwardness of Andrew being at Sandringham during the Royal Family’s traditional Christmas gathering.
While it has already been confirmed that Andrew will not take part in the family’s Christmas celebrations at Sandringham, that decision was made when he was still expected to remain in Windsor. His presence nearby during the festivities — with the rest of the royals attending church together — could create an uncomfortable situation.
Such an image would clash with the festive mood and the seasonal message of togetherness. For that reason, keeping Andrew in Windsor until after Christmas may prove to be the most practical and tactful solution for both him and the Palace.
Downing Street says Prime Minister fully supports Andrew losing his titles
13:01 , Jacob PhillipsSir 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.”
Is it possible for Andrew to be taken out of the line of succession?
12:22 , Nuray BulbulThe only notable role Andrew still retains is his position in the line of succession, where he remains eighth in line to the throne.
While Parliament could, in theory, remove him from the succession, such a move would require agreement from all Commonwealth realms, as it would affect their lines of succession as well — meaning the process would be far from immediate.
There is historical precedent for this kind of change: Edward VIII lost his place in the succession through the legislation passed following his abdication in 1936.
Technically, Andrew also remains listed as one of the Counsellors of State, who can act on the King’s behalf if he is abroad or unwell — a significant constitutional role. However, as a non-working royal, Andrew cannot be called upon to perform these duties in practice.
In recent years, the list of Counsellors of State was expanded to ensure that other eligible royals are available to carry out the role when needed.
Despite being stripped of his titles, Andrew remains eighth in the line of succession to the throne
12:09 , Nuray Bulbul
Andrew has now been formally removed from the peerage following his name being taken off the official roll. For the first time in his life, he awoke this morning as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, having lost his title of “Prince” on Thursday.
However, Buckingham Palace confirmed that he still remains eighth in line to the throne.
The current order of succession to the King is as follows:
1. The Prince of Wales (William)
2. Prince George of Wales
3. Princess Charlotte of Wales
4. Prince Louis of Wales
5. The Duke of Sussex (Prince Harry)
6. Prince Archie of Sussex
7. Princess Lilibet of Sussex
8. Andrew
Picture shows crowds outside of Buckingham Palace
11:58 , Nuray Bulbul
Government minister supports removal of Andrew's titles
11:46 , Nuray Bulbul
A Government minister has expressed full support for the decision to remove Andrew Mountbatten Windsor’s titles.
Trade Minister Sir Chris Bryant told BBC Breakfast: “I warmly support what the King is doing today. I think the vast majority of people in this country will see it as the right decision.”
Describing Andrew as now “an ordinary member of the public,” Sir Chris suggested he should cooperate with any requests from the US regarding the crimes of the late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
He said: “Just as with any ordinary member of the public, if there were requests from another jurisdiction of this kind, any decently-minded person should comply. I feel exactly the same in this situation.”
He added: “Basically, if Andrew is asked to do something by a Senate committee, I would expect he would want to comply.”
What do Norfolk residents think about Andrew's upcoming move?
11:36 , Nuray BulbulVisitors to the Sandringham Estate have largely supported the King’s decision to strip the former Duke of York of his titles, though some expressed concern about him relocating to the Norfolk estate.
Retired office worker Susan Larkins, 70, visiting the Sandringham cafe on Friday, said it was “way past time” for the titles to be removed. The South Wootton resident added: “He’s a horrible man. We don’t want him up here.”
Vanessa Beech of Docking, who was walking her dog at Sandringham, agreed that the King’s decision was correct. “It has to give out the right message, I would think,” she said. On Andrew moving to Sandringham, she added: “Well, he’s got to go somewhere. It is what it is, isn’t it?”
Retired carer Jackie Cruickshank, 72, who was walking her dog at Sandringham, said she agreed with the King’s decision but felt that Andrew “has also been pushed.”
Ms Cruickshank, from King’s Lynn, added: “I don’t particularly like Prince Andrew, but there are others out there who are guilty as well.”
Hear from more residents here.
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor: The story behind the former Duke’s name and title
11:24 , Nuray BulbulAnti-German sentiment during the First World War led to the creation of the Mountbatten name.
At the request of King George V, Prince Louis changed the family name from Battenberg to the anglicised Mountbatten. The King also altered the royal family’s Germanic name, Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, opting instead for Windsor, declaring:
“Henceforth our House and Family shall be styled and known as the House and Family of Windsor.”
Prince Philip, whose mother Alice was the sister of Lord Mountbatten, adopted the surname when he became a naturalised British subject in 1947, renouncing his Greek and Danish royal titles. Originally part of the House of Glücksburg, Philip’s connection to Mountbatten was reinforced when, following King George VI’s death, Lord Mountbatten declared that the “House of Mountbatten now reigned.”
Buckingham Palace confirms that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor has been removed from the official roll of the peerage
11:08 , Nuray Bulbul
Andrew’s name has been removed from the official peerage roll, marking a significant step in the formal process of stripping him of his titles.
The roll, kept by the Crown Office, includes all dukes — among them the former Duke of York. Oversight of the register falls under the responsibility of Lord Chancellor David Lammy.
What does this mean for Sarah Ferguson?
11:06 , Nuray BulbulSarah Ferguson, Andrew’s ex-wife, does not hold royal titles in her own right. She became the Duchess of York through marriage, and although she retains the style “Duchess of York,” it is no longer tied to royal duties. Andrew losing his titles does not automatically change Sarah’s courtesy title, but it may affect the perception and prestige of the title.
As Andrew steps back from public life, Sarah’s visibility in royal contexts may decrease.
Any joint patronages or charities associated with Andrew could also be impacted. She may continue her charitable work independently, but the royal connection through Andrew is diminished.
Andrew is required to vacate Royal Lodge and is expected to relocate to the Sandringham Estate. Sarah will not be housed by Charles and will have to find a new home.
Their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, remain unaffected in their royal titles and succession rights. Sarah’s personal and public role as their mother continues, though she is now more detached from official royal structures.
Read more here.
How has the Giuffre family reacted to the news?
10:58 , Nuray BulbulThe family of Virginia Giuffre has welcomed the move by King Charles III to strip Prince Andrew of his remaining royal titles, calling it a milestone for survivor justice — yet insisting this is only a first step.
In a statement, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts and sister‑in‑law Amanda described the decision as a “victory” for their sister, who died earlier this year. They said:
“We, the family of Virginia Roberts Giuffre, believe that Prince Andrew’s decision to give up his titles is vindication for our sister and survivors everywhere.”
They emphasised that Virginia “never stopped fighting for accountability for what had happened to her and to countless other survivors like her.”
Latest pictures of the 'scene' at Windsor
10:56 , Nuray Bulbul
Where will Andrew live now?
10:54 , Nuray BulbulWith Andrew preparing to leave Royal Lodge, focus is now on his next residence.
Buckingham Palace announced last night that the former Duke of York, now to be known simply as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, will relocate to a property on the King’s private Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.
Although the estate spans roughly 20,000 acres, there are surprisingly few publicly known options for Andrew’s new home. Wood Farm, the five-bedroom house favored by Prince Philip during his retirement, is reportedly not being considered.
Similarly, Park House, Princess Diana’s childhood home, has been vacant for over five years. However, it is unlikely to be suitable, as it previously served as a respite centre for the disabled and now requires significant renovation.
Monarchy needs to become more "accountable", York Central MP says
10:38 , Nuray BulbulYork Central MP Rachael Maskell has said the monarchy must become more “accountable” following the King’s decision to strip Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal titles.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Ms Maskell said: “The world has moved on, and it’s vital that the monarchy is accountable in every way — particularly to the public. With 80% of people backing the removal of those titles, I’m sure there’s a sense of relief across the country that it has finally happened.”
Ms Maskell, who previously introduced a Bill in Parliament aimed at making it easier for the monarch to remove peerages, argued that legal reform is still necessary.
“We know there have been peers who’ve even ended up in prison,” she said. “That’s why we need a proper system in place. My Bill would have created a process allowing any title — whether baronet, duke, prince or princess — to be removed where appropriate, ensuring a consistent mechanism for all situations, not just one.”
Andrew stripped of titles
10:24 , Nuray BulbulKing Charles III has formally stripped his brother, Prince Andrew, of all royal titles, military honours, and privileges in a move described as unprecedented in modern royal history.
The Duke of York will now be known simply as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, marking the first time a senior royal has been removed from the line’s formal styling while remaining a member of the family.
The decision follows years of controversy surrounding Andrew’s association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and allegations of sexual abuse brought by Virginia Giuffre, which the duke continues to deny.
Buckingham Palace said the step was taken to “protect the integrity of the Crown and maintain public confidence in the monarchy.”
