King strips Andrew of title and evicts him from lodge

Charles takes historic action to save reputation of monarchy

- ALASTAIR JAMIESON

King Charles is to strip all remaining titles from Prince Andrew and will evict him from the Royal Lodge as his brother’s links to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein continue to embarrass the monarchy.

In a bombshell announcement, Buckingham Palace said Andrew was given notice yesterday to leave the 30-room mansion and he will in future be known simply as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, effectively living as a commoner.

It is understood Andrew will now live on the Sandringham estate at the King’s expense, while ex-wife Sarah Ferguson will also move out and sort her own living arrangements.

Palace officials had hoped that forcing Andrew to relinquish his Duke of York title would draw a line under the furore, but with MPs demanding answers into the peppercorn rent paid at the Windsor estate, the King acted to end the saga.

It is understood that although Andrew denies the recent Epstein accusations, Buckingham Palace considers that there have been “serious lapses of judgement”.

In a statement, the palace said: “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, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him.” The statement added: “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.”

It is understood that although the King initiated the process of formally removing his titles and honours, Andrew did not object to it.