King Charles initiates formal process to strip Prince Andrew of titles

Buckingham Palace has confirmed that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been stripped of his prince title and is being asked to vacate Royal Lodge. 

The announcement follows recent reports that King Charles's younger brother will no longer be allowed to use his Duke of York title.

In an official statement, Buckingham Palace said: '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, not withstanding 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.'

The process applies to Andrew's titles of Prince, Duke of York, Earl of Inverness, Baron Killyleagh and the style 'His Royal Highness.' 

The honours affected are Andrew's Order of the Garter and Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order.

For context, Andrew gave up the use of his other titles, including the Duke of York, earlier this month following mounting pressure about his relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein allegations which Andrew has vehemently denied.