After weeks of growing pressure on Buckingham Palace to strip Prince Andrew of his titles and for him to leave his Windsor residence, the King began a formal process to do just that on Thursday.
Here, the PA news agency answers questions about why this has happened now and what will happen next.
The King has begun the formal process to strip the titles from Prince Andrew.
Buckingham Palace also confirmed on Thursday evening that formal notice has been served for Andrew to surrender the lease on his Windsor residence.
Andrewâs links to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein have continued to cause controversy, particularly in the wake of the posthumous publication of his main accuser, Virginia Giuffreâs memoir.
It is understood that although Andrew denies the accusations, Buckingham Palace considers that there have been âserious lapses of judgmentâ.
There has also reportedly been concern for the wellbeing and welfare of other members of the family.
Which titles and honours are affected?
The Princeâs titles of Prince, Duke of York, Earl of Inverness, Baron Killyleagh and the style His Royal Highness are affected. The honours of Order of the Garter and Knight Grand Cross of the Victorian Order will also be removed.
What will his new name be and when will it come into effect?
He will be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor immediately.
Charles made the decision, it is understood, with the support of the wider family, including his eldest son, the Prince of Wales. Andrew has not objected.
How does this differ from the previous announcement about Andrewâs titles?
Andrew agreed to stop using his remaining titles and honours on October 17, but this is the formal removal process, which ensures his former Duke of York title cannot be used officially.
Why has this happened now?
It is understood Buckingham Palace needed time, and the legal and constitutional expertise, to enact the formal removal of Andrewâs titles.
The government was consulted and royal warrants will be sent to the Lord Chancellor, David Lammy, to finalise the removal of his peerage, the Dukedom of York.
Dukedoms can be abolished through Parliament, but it is understood that Buckingham Palace hoped to remove the peerage without taking up parliamentary time.
When will Andrew move, and where to?
It is understood that Andrew will move to a property on the Sandringham estate, which will be funded privately by the King, âas soon as practicableâ.
How are Andrewâs family affected?
His ex-wife Sarah Ferguson will also move out of the Royal Lodge and will sort her own living arrangements. As daughters of the son of a sovereign, Andrewâs children will retain their titles of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
