Royal prerogative: King Charles III banishes Andrew to buttress the House of Windsor’s foundations

In a decisive move to protect the British monarchy from ongoing scandals, King Charles III has stripped his brother, Prince Andrew, of all royal titles and honors. The announcement, made by Buckingham Palace on Thursday, marks a significant step in distancing the royal family from the controversies surrounding Andrew, who will now be known simply as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. This decision follows revelations about Andrew’s association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and mounting pressure from Parliament regarding his rent-free residence at the Royal Lodge near Windsor Castle. The king’s action underscores the monarchy’s commitment to accountability and public trust, particularly as Charles works to stabilize the institution ahead of Prince William’s eventual succession. While the move aims to shield the monarchy from further damage, it does not resolve Andrew’s legal and ethical challenges, which continue to cast a shadow over his legacy. The decision also reflects a broader transition in the monarchy, as it evolves into a more scrutinized and accountable public institution under Charles’s reign.