The One Thing Andrew Won't Be Stripped Of After Losing His Titles

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor holds a close relationship to the crown as the brother to King Charles II, and, until October 2025, held a power title within the British royal family. As the third child of Queen Elizabeth II, Andrew was a prince at birth and, in 1986, was granted the title Duke of York and Earl of Inverness. However, decades later, and in the wake of an international criminal case, his titles have been stripped. The process was started by his brother, the king, who alluded to this decision to give up his royal titles as a response to the increasing accusations made against him that were distracting from the family and his roles. But a recent announcement revealed that the commoner formerly known as prince is not losing everything that came with that past life.

In addition to his time within the royal family, Andrew served in the Navy for over two decades. In 1982, the former prince joined forces who fought in South America during the Falkland War as a helicopter copilot. Every individual who fought in South America during the operations to free South Georgia were awarded a medal for their service. It has been confirmed that Windsor, now without royal title or royal residency, has been permitted to keep his medal.

In Buckingham Palace's official statement announcing the stripping of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor's titles, they explain their decision, "These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him." The palace further added, "Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse." The allegations and abuse referenced within the statement made a clear stance against the royal with his continued entanglement in the Jeffery Epstein case. 

One of the early perpetrators in the sex trafficking ring, Andrew was frequently photographed with the embroiled financier. As an investigation into the former prince broke out, communication with the infamous pedophile revealed a deep-rooted connection between the pair. In October 2025, it was revealed that even Andrew's wife, Sarah Ferguson, had formed a relationship with Epstein. For such a well-documented relationship between the royals and Epstein, Andrew's continued efforts to deny his connection to the criminal acts of the financier is much like President Donald Trump's denial of a friendship with Epstein, who is photographed above in Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate with the president's wife, Melania Trump.