Former Duke of York Andrew Mountbatten Windsor is reportedly set to receive a substantial relocation payout and annual stipend from King Charles, following his formal removal from royal titles and privileges.
The plan includes a one-off six-figure payment to support Andrew’s move from Royal Lodge in Windsor to a private residence on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, according to The Guardian.
The arrangement also involves an annual allowance drawn from the King’s private funds worth several times more than Andrew’s £20,000 navy pension. Discussions on the final package are still ongoing.
Buckingham Palace confirmed on Thursday that the King had initiated the formal process “to remove the style, titles and honours of Prince Andrew” and that “formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease” on Royal Lodge. The announcement came shortly after Andrew was officially removed from the roll of peerage.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed full support for the King’s decision. A Downing Street spokesperson said, “Our hearts go out to the family of Virginia Giuffre and all the victims who suffered from Jeffrey Epstein’s despicable crimes.”
Sky Roberts, brother of the late Virginia Giuffre, told The Guardian that the royal statement amounted to an “acknowledgment that something occurred” between his sister and Andrew. “I think the King is speaking very clearly when he says he’s with survivors out there,” he added.
Government officials confirmed that the decision was constitutionally proper. The Cabinet Office reportedly worked with the King’s aides to avoid parliamentary debate, advising the use of royal prerogative to abolish the dukedom.
Royal warrants and letters patent to formalize the title removal are being processed.
Trade Minister Sir Chris Bryant said on BBC Breakfast that Andrew should comply if asked by US authorities to answer questions about Epstein. “If Andrew is asked to do something by a Senate committee, I would have thought he would want to comply,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Scotland Yard is reviewing whether new criminal investigations should be opened into the former prince’s alleged conduct. One inquiry involves Giuffre’s posthumously published memoir Nobody’s Girl, while another examines claims that Andrew attempted to have his police officers “dig up dirt” on her.
Despite losing his titles, Andrew is expected to remain at Royal Lodge until after Christmas. Palace insiders say this timing avoids his presence at the family’s traditional holiday gathering at Sandringham.
Reports suggest the issue of Andrew’s residency gained urgency in late 2024 when the Prince and Princess of Wales decided to move nearby to Forest Lodge. Sources said William and Kate were concerned about the public image of living so close to the disgraced royal.
The Queen reportedly supported the move to strip Andrew of his titles due to concerns it could harm her advocacy for sexual abuse victims. Palace officials emphasized that all decisions were made by the King, with the support of the royal family.
While King Charles is expected to provide financial support for his brother, Sarah Ferguson will make independent arrangements. Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie will retain their titles as daughters of the King’s son, consistent with King George V’s 1917 decree.
The move to remove Andrew’s titles followed weeks of negotiation after his announcement to stop using them voluntarily failed to calm public criticism. Palace sources said the King’s decision was inevitable given “serious lapses of judgment” in Andrew’s association with Epstein.
Though no change to the line of succession is currently planned, Andrew remains eighth in line to the throne and continues as an inactive counsellor of state. His formal lease surrender at Royal Lodge, which had over 50 years remaining, is now being processed.
Both Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace declined to comment on the matter.
