King’s Move to Strip Andrew’s Titles Stirs Mixed Reactions

King’s Move to Strip Andrew’s Titles Stirs Mixed Reactions

King Charles III’s unprecedented decision to strip his brother Prince Andrew of his royal titles has drawn widespread support across Britain, though calls for stronger action and greater royal accountability continue to grow.

The king’s move — the first such action since 1919 — marks another major setback for Andrew, long mired in controversy over his ties to convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Charles also ordered his brother to vacate his residence on the grounds of Windsor Castle following renewed accusations by Epstein’s accuser, Virginia Giuffre.

Giuffre’s memoir, published posthumously last week, restated in vivid detail claims that she was trafficked to have sex with Andrew three times, twice when she was 17. The book’s release reignited public outrage and renewed scrutiny of the Duke’s conduct.

“It’s a long time coming,” said Pam Williams, a retired teacher outside Buckingham Palace. “Maybe he should have done it earlier. But well done for doing it now.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s spokesman confirmed that the government “fully supports the decision,” adding that the Palace had consulted Downing Street beforehand.

Andrew Lownie, the former prince’s biographer, said the king had likely “done as much as he could.” Still, many believe the move falls short. Giuffre’s brother, Sky Roberts, told the BBC, “I commend the king, but it’s not enough. He needs to be behind bars.”

The pressure group Republic has said it is consulting lawyers to determine whether a private prosecution could proceed. The Metropolitan Police previously investigated Giuffre’s claims but decided in 2021 not to take further action.

Andrew, 65, the late Queen Elizabeth II’s second son, has consistently denied the allegations but settled Giuffre’s civil lawsuit in 2022 for several million dollars.

Royal commentators say the scandal represents one of the monarchy’s most severe crises in modern history, rivaling the fallout from Princess Diana’s death and Edward VIII’s abdication. “Charles had run out of options,” said historian Ed Owens.

Recent revelations that Andrew paid no rent for his 30-room Windsor mansion under a 2003 lease deal have fuelled public anger, while the scandal overshadowed the king’s recent visit to the Vatican.

Andrew, now known simply as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, remains eighth in line to the throne. He is expected to relocate to a smaller lodge on the king’s Sandringham estate in eastern England, a move personally financed by Charles.

Broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby, a close friend of the king, said Charles “will be feeling some relief and hoping the matter fades away — although it won’t, of course, for Andrew.”