In an extraordinary move that marks one of the most significant royal downgrades in modern history, Prince Andrew has been permanently stripped of his military affiliations and royal patronages and will be evicted from his Windsor home.
The End of Royal Duties
Buckingham Palace announced today that the Duke of York will no longer carry out any public duties and will cease to use the style 'His Royal Highness' in any official capacity. This decisive action follows the settlement of the civil sexual assault case brought against him by Virginia Giuffre.
The palace statement confirmed: "With The Queen's approval and agreement, the Duke of York's military affiliations and Royal patronages have been returned to The Queen. The Duke of York will continue not to undertake any public duties and is defending this case as a private citizen."
Losing the Royal Residence
In perhaps the most tangible consequence, Andrew faces eviction from Royal Lodge, his lavish 30-room Windsor residence where he has lived since 2004 under a 75-year lease. The Grade II listed property, previously home to the Queen Mother, represents both his physical and symbolic connection to royal life.
Sources indicate the Duke will be required to vacate the property, though the timing remains uncertain. This represents a dramatic fall from grace for the Queen's second son, who was once considered one of the most senior working royals.
Unprecedented in Modern Times
Royal historians have described the move as "unprecedented" in modern royal history. Never before has a senior royal been so comprehensively stripped of titles and privileges while remaining a member of the family.
The decision comes after more than 150 veterans wrote to the Queen urging her to remove Andrew's military titles, arguing that the allegations had brought shame on the armed forces he represented.
This represents the culmination of a gradual distancing that began in 2019 when Andrew stepped back from royal duties following his disastrous Newsnight interview about his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
What Happens Next?
While Andrew remains a prince and the Queen's son, his public role within the monarchy has effectively ended. The move signals the Royal Family's determination to protect the institution from further damage as the Queen prepares to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee.
The settlement of the Virginia Giuffre case, while avoiding a potentially damaging trial, has come at the ultimate price for Andrew - his position within the royal establishment he was born to serve.
