UPDATE: In a shocking move, King Charles has officially stripped Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor of his final royal titles, marking his transformation into a commoner. This decision comes just hours after the directives were published in the London Gazette at noon today, confirming his removal from the historic Order of the Garter and the Royal Victorian Order.
This decisive action follows Andrew’s previous loss of the Duke of York title amid ongoing scrutiny regarding his connection with the late billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Despite Andrew’s consistent denial of any misconduct, the fallout from this association has led to significant consequences for his royal standing.
The King’s directive, dated October 30, has erased Andrew’s name from the registers of both the Order of the Garter and the Royal Victorian Order, where he was appointed on April 23, 2006, and February 19, 2011, respectively. Reports indicate that Andrew is expected to vacate the Royal Lodge next year, potentially as soon as February 2024.
In a statement released by the Mirror, the removal was detailed: “THE KING has directed that the appointment of Andrew Albert Christian Edward MOUNTBATTEN-WINDSOR… shall be cancelled and annulled.” This announcement signifies a dramatic fall from grace for the once-prominent royal.
As of now, Andrew retains his Vice-Admiral rank in the Royal Navy, a title granted in 2015 to commemorate his 55th birthday. However, Labour Secretary of State John Healey has confirmed that the government plans to “work to remove” this final honour. The former first sea lord, Admiral Lord West, criticized the slow process of revoking the title, emphasizing that it should not be difficult considering past removals within the navy.
The removal of Andrew’s coat of arms from St George’s Chapel in Windsor further underscores the drastic shift in his status. The consequences of his actions have led to significant public and media scrutiny, transforming him from a royal figure to a commoner.
What happens next remains to be seen, as the repercussions of this decision continue to unfold. The royal family will likely face ongoing discussions about their public image and the implications of Andrew’s actions on the monarchy.
As these developments emerge, it is clear that Andrew’s life as a royal is over, and the public awaits any further responses from the monarchy. This significant change is expected to dominate headlines in the coming days, making it a pivotal moment for the royal family and the public alike.
