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Buckingham Palace Reinstates Hyphen in Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor’s Surname

The shift follows a review of Queen Elizabeth II’s 1960 declaration establishing the hyphenated family surname for descendants without royal styles.

Overview

  • Royal sources confirmed the former prince will be styled Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor going forward, correcting the initial non-hyphenated form announced in late October.
  • The palace’s first wording — reportedly agreed with Andrew as his preference — omitted the hyphen, prompting surprise from historians who cited longstanding precedent.
  • Queen Elizabeth II’s Privy Council declaration, published in The London Gazette in 1960, set Mountbatten-Windsor as the surname when a royal surname is required for those without princely styles.
  • Official records and listings have long used the hyphenated form, including Princess Anne’s 1973 marriage register and the birth registration of Archie Mountbatten‑Windsor.
  • The naming update comes as administrative steps continue to redefine Andrew’s status, with formal notice served to surrender his Royal Lodge lease and plans for alternative private accommodation.