London, October 31 (Read): In a major development, Buckingham Palace announced on Thursday that King Charles III has stripped his brother, Prince Andrewof all royal titles and privileges following his alleged involvement in a minor sexual abuse case linked to the late American financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The decision means Andrew will no longer be referred to as “Prince” and will now be known simply as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. He has also been directed to vacate the Royal Lodgehis long-time royal residence in Windsor, immediately.

According to British media reports, the move comes amid mounting pressure on the royal family after fresh revelations in the Epstein scandalwhich continues to cast a shadow over the monarchy. Although Andrew had earlier lost his “His Royal Highness” title, Thursday’s decision formally ends his remaining royal privileges and his lease of the Royal Lodge.

In a statement, King Charles III reportedly said the decision was necessary to preserve the dignity and integrity of the British monarchy. Andrew is now expected to move to Frogmore Cottage or a smaller royal property.

Epstein, a controversial American financier, was imprisoned on charges of sexually exploiting underage girls and was found dead in his jail cell in 2019. Prince Andrew’s close association with Epstein has been under scrutiny for years, with allegations involving financial dealings and sexual exploitation of a minor surfacing against him.

Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Readhis insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.