King Charles’ brother, Prince Andrew, who will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, will be evicted from Windsor’s Royal Lodge and move to Norfolk’s Sandringham estate
The scandal engulfing Prince Andrew over his links to sordid Jeffrey Epstein finally became too much for the King, who will now strip him of his royal title and kick him out of his rent-free mansion.
And the humiliating move sparked claims by one expert that there could be more revelations about the disgraced Duke to come. The family of Virginia Giuffre, who accused Andrew of sleeping with her when she was 17, said she has “brought down a British prince with her truth and extraordinary courage”. Andrew has always denied her claims.
He also faces the threat of a private prosecution by anti-monarchy pressure group Republic over allegations of sexual assault, misconduct in a public office and corruption. The prince, who will now be known only as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, is to be evicted from Windsor’s Royal Lodge, where he lived with ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, and move to Norfolk’s Sandringham estate. But Fergie will have to find her own house.
READ MORE: Andrew has ‘nothing left in family relationship’ after Charles’ final humiliating blow
After it was tonight revealed Charles and Prince William were beginning the formal process to axe his titles, author Andrew Lownie said the Royal Family were “finally getting ahead of the story”. He added: “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. So, I don’t think it’s all over for him.”
Asked if he believed the move means it was more likely Andrew would be investigated by police, Mr Lownie replied: “Yes. I’ve been saying for some time they’re going to throw Andrew under the bus to save themselves and this is the first indication of that. This should have been done years ago. I think it’s been Virginia Giuffre’s book that kind of made the palace realise that there is a big problem here.” Virginia killed herself in April aged 41, before her memoir containing allegations against Andrew was published. Her family said: “Today, she declares a victory.”
Virginia was seen in a photograph with Andrew and Epstein’s ex, Ghislaine Maxwell, but he denies ever meeting her. The King and William’s move came a day after the Mirror told how MPs piled pressure on Andrew over his stay at Royal Lodge after becoming mired in scandal. Buckingham Palace said last night: “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.” Charles will privately pay for his younger brother’s accommodation.
The developments required legal and constitutional expertise and support from the wider family including William, to bring about. The government supports the decision. For Andrew’s titles to be axed, the Duke of York peerage will be removed from the Peerage Roll.
The King is sending Royal Warrants to the Lord Chancellor to secure the removal of the Dukedom of York from the roll. It means an Act of Parliament will not be required to remove Andrew’s titles, which also include Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh. Daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie will not be affected by any changes.
It is believed Andrew made no objection to his titles being stripped. Mr Lownie said: “I think one of the reasons is to protect his daughters.” It comes weeks after Andrew, was also exposed for lying about cutting off contact with Epstein, gave up his Duke of York title. But he remains 8th in the line of succession.
Republic said it has instructed lawyers to probe Virginia’s sex claims about the duke and allegations he passed her details to his bodyguard in a bid to dig up dirt. Chief executive Graham Smith said: “I believe there is strong enough evidence to justify a serious investigation.” This month, the Met said it was “actively” looking the claims, which Andrew also denies.
