London: In a historic decision with immediate effect, Prince Andrew has suddenly become Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – a private citizen with no dukedom and no royal status.

Not since the abdication crisis of 1936 has the royal family confronted a drama such as this. The abdication of Edward VIII was a major test of the government and the royal family – and it altered the line of succession.

The crisis over Andrew does not change the succession, but it is a deeper scandal. Edward VIII gave up the crown to marry Wallis Simpson, a divorced American. Andrew has been expelled from high honours over his personal behaviour, including the claims of sexual assault made by Virginia Roberts Giuffre. In the statement stripping the prince of his title, the Palace said Andrew continues to deny the allegations against him.

How long has it taken to act against Andrew?

Andrew has lost status in the past over his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell. He lost his title as a trade envoy in 2011 when a photograph emerged of him with Giuffre, taken a decade earlier. He stepped back from royal duties in 2019 after Epstein died in prison. He gave up the use of his title as Duke of York, and other titles, on October 17, ahead of the publication of Giuffre’s posthumous memoir. The most recent move did not quell calls for tougher action against him.

Why now?

Giuffre’s memoir was published on October 21 and set out in detail her claim that Andrew sexually assaulted her when she was 17 and working for Epstein. This was only one factor heightening pressure on Andrew. Emails emerged in recent weeks showing that he maintained his friendship with Epstein well into 2011, after he said he ended their friendship because of Epstein’s conviction for child sex offences. There was growing criticism of Andrew’s housing arrangements when his lease was revealed last week, showing he paid only a “peppercorn” rent for a home at Windsor with 30 rooms.

Why didn’t the King act earlier?

The changes for Andrew on October 17 were voluntary: he said he would give up the use of his titles. Public opinion appears to have swayed the royal family. However, another factor is also at work. It has taken time for the King to consider the legal measures needed to make these changes. It also required consultation with other members of the royal family.

What does Prince William think?

The changes are proceeding with support from Prince William, who has been consulted. There is no statement from the Prince of Wales.

What does Andrew say?

There is no statement from Andrew. The final decision has been made by the King without any objection from his brother.

What titles will Andrew lose?

He will lose his title as prince as well as his titles as Duke of York, Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh. He will not be known as His Royal Highness. He will lose the Order of the Garter and Knight Grand Cross of the Victorian Order.

What happens to Sarah Ferguson?

Andrew’s former wife, Sarah, kept her title as Duchess of York after their divorce, under longstanding arrangements. She gave up the use of this title in the changes made on October 17. The new moves will remove the dukedom, confirming she cannot use the title. There is no arrangement for her accommodation once Andrew moves out of Royal Lodge, where she has been staying.

What happens to his daughters?

There is no change for Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. They retain their titles as princesses under letters patent issued more than a century ago that said the daughters of the son of a monarch are called princesses. Each of them will continue to be referred to as Her Royal Highness.

Where will Andrew live?

Andrew has been given formal notice to surrender his lease over Royal Lodge, the large home at Windsor where his lease was due to run until 2078. No date is set for his departure. He is expected to move to a home at Sandringham, another country estate.

Will Andrew be compensated?

Probably. The terms of the lease required him to pay only a “peppercorn” rent for almost 50 years to come, so he will have a legal claim against the Crown Estate, which owns the lodge.

Who will pay for Andrew’s new home?

The funding will come from the King’s private reserves. The arrangement seeks to avoid taxpayers having to foot the bill for the new home in Sandringham.

Will Andrew have to get a job?

The royal family will have to make a provision for Andrew, and this will be a private decision for the King rather than a matter for the government allocating taxpayer funds. Andrew will now be a private citizen, as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. His career will be a matter for him.

Does the King believe Andrew is guilty of sexual assault?

There is no statement on the central question: did Andrew commit sexual assault against Giuffre, as she claimed in a civil lawsuit that was settled out of court in 2022. There have been clear signals from Buckingham Palace that many believe Andrew made serious lapses of judgment.

Can this be done without a vote in parliament?

The last time a dukedom was revoked, in 1917, it was done under an act of parliament. This time, however, Buckingham Palace believes the changes can be made using royal warrants issued by the King. This means there is no need for a vote in parliament – and therefore no debate that might embarrass the royal family.

Was the government consulted?

Yes. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was consulted on the changes, as were other government authorities.

Lifeline 13 11 14; Beyond Blue 1800 512 348; Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800; National Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).

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