News
Prince Andrew Stripped of Titles, Set to Move as Commoner
WINDSOR, England — Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, is set to receive a substantial one-time payment and an annual stipend as he transitions to life as a commoner after being stripped of his royal titles. Reports indicate that this financial arrangement is part of a relocation settlement being finalized by Buckingham Palace.
The king is believed to have approved a six-figure payment to cover Andrew’s move from the Royal Lodge in Windsor to a private residence on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. This payment will be followed by an annual allowance, significantly exceeding his current pension of £20,000.
King Charles III initiated the removal of Andrew’s titles and honorifics as part of a broader push to address the controversy surrounding his associations, particularly with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In a recent palace statement, the king expressed sympathy for the victims of abuse and highlighted the royal family’s commitment to addressing these issues.
Andrew’s title revocation was formalized after extensive discussions, with strong support from government officials, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Starmer’s office conveyed condolences to victims, reinforcing the government’s backing of the king’s actions.
Public opinion appears to favor the king’s decision. A recent poll indicated that 79% of respondents support stripping Andrew of his titles, although many feel the royal family acted too slowly. Local sentiment around Sandringham reflects a desire for the former prince to create distance from the community following numerous scandals.
As Andrew prepares to relocate, he will have to leave behind Royal Lodge, where he had lived for over two decades with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson. While the specific details of his new home remain unclear, it is expected to be on the Sandringham estate.
Amid scrutiny and ongoing police inquiries into Andrew’s past, including allegations of attempting to discredit Virginia Giuffre, local stakeholders underscore the importance of accountability. The Royal Family’s recent actions signify an effort to account for past claims and restore the monarchy’s reputation.
While Andrew remains eighth in line for the throne, revisions to this order would necessitate legislation, which the government currently does not plan to pursue.
A royal warrant and official letters patent will soon formalize the removal of Andrew’s title and entitlement to hold the style of prince or HRH. As the palace continues to navigate these issues, attention will turn to how the change affects Andrew personally and his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who maintain their titles.
