In a dramatic turn of events, the royal household announced that for the first time, both Prince Andrew and his former wife, Sarah Ferguson, must vacate the 30-room Royal Lodge in Windsor as part of a sweeping purge of Andrew’s remaining titles and honors.
Prince Andrew will lose his “Prince” appellation, the Duke of York title, and his style of “His Royal Highness.” He will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and is expected to relocate to a privately financed residence on the Sandringham estate.
Sarah Ferguson, who has lived at the Royal Lodge for over 20 years since their 1996 divorce, will no longer use the courtesy title Duchess of York. Although not divorced again, she has adjusted her public identity and is making new housing arrangements separate from Andrew.
The formal notice for the lease surrender was served Thursday, ending the pair’s long-term occupancy at the Windsor property, which they have shared despite their separation. The palace emphasized that these measures are essential to preserve the integrity of the monarchy and to offer support to abuse survivors.
Their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, retain their royal titles by birthright. The eviction and title removals mark a significant restructuring of royal roles and responsibilities, signalling the monarchy’s intent to distance itself from decades-old controversies.