Disgraced Prince Andrew’s Coat of Arms Taken Down from Windsor Castle — a Move Reserved for Traitors

Prince Andrew’s Coat of Arms Removed from Windsor Castle — a Move Reserved for Traitors

Prince Andrew’s decision to relinquish his royal titles has led to the removal of his banner featuring his coat of arms from Windsor Castle, a move typically reserved for cases of high treason or rebellions against the Crown. The banner, previously displayed next to Prince William’s inside St. George’s Chapel, was first raised in 2006 when Andrew was made a Knight of the Order of the Garter. Although he was not formally stripped of the order, Andrew voluntarily agreed to give up its use, according to reports from The Sun. Buckingham Palace has been approached for comment on this significant development.

The Duke of York, Prince Andrew, aged 65, made an announcement on Oct. 17 confirming his decision to step away from his royal titles and honors. In a statement released through Buckingham Palace, Andrew expressed that the continuous accusations against him were causing distractions from the duties of the Royal Family and King Charles. Despite vehemently denying any wrongdoing, the Prince decided to prioritize his family and country by surrendering his titles. This decision came amid the ongoing fallout from his association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which led him to retreat from public life in 2019.

In light of Andrew’s voluntary relinquishment of his royal titles and patronages, significant changes have been implemented. His biography on Royal.UK has been updated to feature him simply as “Prince Andrew” instead of the Duke of York. Queen Elizabeth had originally granted Andrew the title of Duke of York in 1986 when he wed Sarah Ferguson, who was subsequently styled as the Duchess of York. Following their divorce in 1996, Ferguson had retained the Duchess of York title professionally, but it has now been reported that she will no longer utilize this title in any capacity.

Despite the alterations to their titles, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson are expected to continue residing on the Windsor Castle estate due to a private tenancy agreement unaffected by the changes. This arrangement has been in place since 2003, with Andrew exempt from paying rent for his Windsor mansion under a leasehold agreement with The Crown Estate. Furthermore, the royal titles of Andrew’s adult daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, remain unaffected by his recent decision.

Recent revelations, including a 2011 email purportedly showing Andrew’s correspondence with Epstein following public scrutiny, have added to the controversy surrounding the Prince. The removal of his coat of arms from Windsor Castle marks a significant symbolic gesture, signaling the distancing of the monarchy from Andrew’s embattled reputation. The unfolding developments in this royal saga continue to captivate public attention and raise questions about the future trajectory of the British Royal Family.

(Contact: Charlotte Phillipp / Simon Perry Writer-Reporter, PEOPLE)