Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Has Been Removed From Two Additional Honors

The decision, released through The Gazette, marks the newest and most definitive step in pushing the King’s brother further out of royal life — a man whose name appeared 173 times throughout the Jeffrey Epstein files.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has now officially been stripped of two additional high-ranking honours, intensifying both the symbolic and personal fallout of his ongoing descent from royal standing.

A notice in The Gazette confirmed that the King has ordered the removal of Mountbatten-Windsor’s status as a Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, as well as his rank as a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order.

Both honours, originally bestowed in April 2006 and February 2011, have now been “cancelled and annulled,” accompanied by the striking declaration that “his name shall be erased from the Register of the said Order.”

The language of the notice reinforces the finality of the decision — a move many anticipated following earlier steps to distance the former Duke from official royal obligations. But for many observers, this marks the sharpest and most definitive chapter yet in a process that has unfolded over many months.

On October 30, it was announced that Mountbatten-Windsor would surrender all remaining titles, including his right to be styled Duke of York.

This latest action — laid out in a legally precise and ceremonial announcement — formalizes that earlier development. Royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills summed up the mood, noting:

“The phrase ‘his name shall be erased’ feels exceptionally stark when you consider how emotionally charged this must be within the family.”

She went on to describe the occasion as “one brother cancelling another,” emphasizing the deeply personal element behind the King’s decision.

While wrapped in traditional formalities, the removal of these honours is widely viewed as a strategic effort by His Majesty to draw a clear, unambiguous line between the institution of the monarchy and his brother’s past associations — particularly those linked to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The repercussions from those associations have continued to shape Mountbatten-Windsor’s public image. His name has remained mired in controversy ever since he settled a civil suit in 2022 with Virginia Giuffre, who alleged she was trafficked to him by Epstein and that he assaulted her when she was 17.

The settlement was part of a broader release of more than 300 gigabytes of investigation material — the so-called Epstein files — containing disturbing photos and video evidence.

The settlement included a large donation to Giuffre’s charity for victims’ rights, though it did not include an admission of guilt. Mountbatten-Windsor has always denied the accusations.

Still, his decision to settle avoided a high-profile trial that could have caused even greater reputational damage for the royal family. Legal analysts estimated his total costs at more than £7 million — roughly $10 million — excluding mounting legal expenses.

Epstein’s shadow reemerged earlier this year when the U.S. Department of Justice released a vast collection of digital documents tied to its investigation into the disgraced financier.

The Epstein files — more than 300 gigabytes in total — included graphic videos and images. While much of the content remains sealed to protect victims, a list of people mentioned in the documents was made public.

Mountbatten-Windsor’s name appeared 173 times — far more frequently than any other British figure listed. Other UK individuals mentioned included David Beckham, Naomi Campbell, Adele, Mick Jagger, Stephen Hawking (17 mentions), Princess Diana (14 mentions), Sarah Ferguson (nine mentions), and Queen Camilla (nine mentions).

The files also referenced international public figures such as Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, and Michael Jackson. All appeared in a variety of contexts — social connections, business interactions, travel records, or legal filings related to cases involving Ghislaine Maxwell.

The palace, determined to protect the monarchy’s reputation, has acted steadily and discreetly to distance itself from the scandal.

Many people named in the documents were included only peripherally — for social interactions, travel on Epstein’s jet, or attendance at events. Importantly, being listed does not imply guilt.

A committee overseeing the document review stressed that individuals appeared in multiple contexts, and that names alone should not be treated as evidence of wrongdoing. Numerous people named have never been accused of any crime related to Epstein and deny any involvement.

Nevertheless, Mountbatten-Windsor’s prominence in the files — and the sheer number of references to him — has continued to fuel public discomfort and heightened pressure on the royal household.

The monarchy, committed to preserving its public standing, has responded with firm and deliberate steps to create distance.

Now, with his removal from two of the most prestigious honours within the monarchy, the message is unmistakably clear — Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been formally and symbolically cut out from the most central parts of royal life.

Whether this marks the conclusion of his public downfall is uncertain. But for now, the palace has left very little room for doubt about its stance.