In an extraordinary and decisive move that marks a rare disciplinary step within the royal family, King Charles III has announced that his younger brother, Andrew, will no longer hold official royal status or the honours that once accompanied his role. The palace statement says Andrew will be removed from public royal duties and will cease to be styled with official royal titles.

The measure also affects his living arrangements: the king has ordered that Andrew vacate the private royal residence he has occupied for years, and he will transition to private accommodation away from formal royal responsibilities. Palace officials described the decision as necessary to safeguard the reputation and functioning of the monarchy.

Buckingham Palace underlined that this action is administrative and institutional in nature, framed as a step to protect the monarchy rather than a personal vendetta. The palace added that sympathy remains with survivors of abuse and that the royal household must maintain standards that reflect its public role.

Observers say the move represents one of the most significant internal adjustments to royal protocol in recent decades, highlighting the monarchy’s sensitivity to public opinion and political scrutiny. Commentators expect the change to prompt debate in Parliament and among royal-watchers about accountability and the public duties of the sovereign’s relatives.

Andrew has long denied wrongdoing in relation to past controversies, but the king’s action effectively severs his formal ties to royal representation. For now, the palace stresses that the measure is intended to ensure the institution’s integrity while the family adapts to a new set of expectations for conduct and public service.