Particle.news
Download on the App Store
175 ARTICLES
·
2w ago

UK Moves to Strip Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of Last Honorary Naval Rank After Palace Sanctions

Ministers say the step is under way after fresh disclosures about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein intensified pressure on the monarchy.

Prince Andrew is seen at the Duchess of Kent's funeral in September.
Image
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - SEPTEMBER 16: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 24 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Prince Andrew, Duke of York and King Charles III attend Katharine, Duchess of Kent's Requiem Mass service at Westminster Cathedral on September 16, 2025 in London, England. Katharine, Duchess of Kent was married to Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II. She died on September 4 at the age of 92 at Kensington Palace surrounded by her family. Having converted to Catholicism in 1994, her funeral takes place at Westminster Cathedral and is the first Catholic funeral to be held for a member of the royal family in modern British history. Her Royal Highness will be laid to rest at the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore, Windsor. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
Image

Overview

  • Defence secretary John Healey said the government, guided by the king, is working to remove Andrew’s honorary Royal Navy rank of vice-admiral, with the Ministry of Defence examining whether he reverts to commander or loses naval rank entirely.
  • Buckingham Palace announced on October 30 a formal process to remove Andrew’s style, titles and honours, that he will be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, and that he must surrender his Royal Lodge lease and move to private accommodation.
  • Newly released emails show Andrew corresponding with Epstein in 2010 and 2011, fueling scrutiny and raising questions against his 2019 account of ending contact after their Central Park meeting.
  • President Donald Trump said he feels "badly" for the royal family following the palace’s actions, underscoring the international attention on the case.
  • Pressure from the U.S. House Oversight Committee for Andrew to give evidence continues, with released flight logs showing multiple trips on Epstein’s plane, while the Metropolitan Police say they are reviewing related claims.