King Charles Makes a Bold Move Against Prince Andrew That Is Reserved for Traitors of the Crown
The move signified the quiet erasure of Prince Andrew's public standing within the royal fold.
Trigger Warning: This article contains themes of sexual abuse that some readers may find distressing.
While the royal family failed to update its website after Prince Andrew relinquished his Duke of York title, King Charles took swift action with the former Duke's coat of arms, displayed at Windsor Castle. Andrew’s personal banner, once displayed proudly alongside Prince William at St. George’s Chapel, has been taken down following his announcement to give up his remaining honors. PEOPLE confirmed the removal on October 23, noting that the act, rare in modern monarchy, is typically reserved for those accused of treason or rebellion against the Crown. For Andrew, it signified the quiet erasure of his public standing within the royal fold.
Andrew’s banner had been raised in 2006 when he was appointed a Knight of the Order of the Garter — one of Britain’s oldest chivalric orders, stripping him of which, according to royal experts, was long overdue because of his scandals. "Signing himself Knight of the Garter is incredibly pompous," royal biographer Andrew Lownie told Newsweek, adding, "But also, what is he doing being a Knight of the Garter? That's an easy enough thing to remove."
The Palace has finally acted on this sentiment. The Prince has not appeared in public at Garter Day since June 12, 2022, his 2019 appearance being his last. The decision follows his fall from grace over his association with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. A leaked 2011 email had the Prince telling Epstein, “It would seem we are in this together,” just one day after the now-infamous photograph of Andrew with Virginia Giuffre appeared in the press. This email suggested that the two were still in contact despite the 65-year-old’s claim that he had ended their friendship with Epstein years prior. Adding fuel to the fire was Sarah Ferguson's unearthed email in which she called Epstein her ‘supreme friend’.
Andrew first withdrew from royal life in 2019 and was later stripped of his military roles and patronages in 2022 by Queen Elizabeth II. This happened after a US judge rejected his attempt to dismiss Giuffre’s lawsuit in which she accused him of abuse. He settled the case privately for an undisclosed sum, with reports suggesting that the late Queen and King Charles helped him financially. Despite the scandal, he retains the courtesy of 'Prince,' as he will always be the son of a queen.
Buckingham Palace has now also updated its website, removing his former title 'Duke of York,' listing him simply as 'Prince Andrew.' He continues to live at Royal Lodge under a private lease from the Crown Estate, a privilege unaffected by the recent changes. Ferguson has also dropped her 'Duchess of York' styling, supporting Andrew in his decision. Their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will keep their titles.
If you are being subjected to sexual abuse, or know of anyone who is, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673)
