Prince William has reportedly signaled that a significant change could be in store for the monarchy once he becomes king, with renewed speculation that he may move to strip Prince Andrew of his remaining royal titles. The question of what to do about his embattled uncle has loomed over the royal family for years, and insiders suggest William’s approach may be far more direct and uncompromising than that of King Charles III.
The renewed chatter comes on the heels of the release of Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, a new biography that delves into the history and controversies surrounding the Duke of York. In the book, royal historian Christopher Wilson describes William as a man with “hard-nosed ideas” about what the modern monarchy must represent. According to Wilson, those ideas reportedly include a willingness to strip Andrew of his titles in order to protect the institution’s credibility in an era of relentless media scrutiny.
While King Charles has opted for a quieter, more measured approach—effectively sidelining Andrew from public duties without taking the final step of removing his titles—those familiar with William’s thinking believe the future king could see such restraint as insufficient. Andrew was stripped of his military titles and royal patronages in 2022, following intense backlash over his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the settlement of a civil sexual assault case in the United States, which he denied. Despite those measures, Andrew retains the title of Duke of York and remains a member of the royal family, albeit one who has largely been absent from official life.
Reports suggest William views the monarchy’s reputation as paramount, particularly at a time when public trust in institutions is fragile. The prince has long been seen as committed to streamlining the royal family, focusing on a smaller core group of working royals. Removing Andrew’s titles would not only send a clear message about accountability but could also mark a symbolic break from a chapter of royal history that has cast a long shadow.
The timing of any such move would likely come only after William ascends the throne, given the sensitivities involved and the precedent it would set. In Britain, stripping a royal title is a rare and politically sensitive act. While Parliament holds the authority to legislate for such a change, it has been used sparingly, most notably against titles connected to treason or wartime betrayal. In Andrew’s case, the decision would hinge on whether William believes the public interest and the monarchy’s long-term survival outweigh the personal cost to his family.
The debate is not confined to the palace walls. In the wake of the new biography, public discussion about Andrew’s future has intensified. Political commentators have noted that Prime Minister Keir Starmer could, in theory, face pressure to intervene legislatively if the monarchy does not act on its own. Critics argue that leaving Andrew’s titles intact undermines the royal family’s attempts to project integrity and modern values. Supporters, however, caution that such a move could be perceived as unnecessarily punitive, particularly given that Andrew has already been removed from public duties.
For William, the stakes are high. The monarchy he will inherit faces challenges on multiple fronts, from questions about its relevance in the 21st century to scrutiny over its cost to taxpayers. As a future king, he is expected to balance tradition with reform, ensuring the institution can survive in a rapidly changing world. A decisive action against Andrew, reportedly under consideration, would align with William’s reputation as a pragmatic and strategic thinker willing to make difficult decisions for the sake of the crown.
In the meantime, Andrew remains at Royal Lodge in Windsor, occasionally spotted attending private family events but absent from official engagements. His rare appearances in public are often met with a flurry of headlines, a reminder that his presence continues to generate controversy. Those close to the situation believe William is biding his time, aware that any action now could create unnecessary tension with his father. But the undercurrent is clear: when the moment comes, William’s reign may mark the final chapter in Andrew’s formal role within the monarchy.
Whether this reported plan comes to fruition remains to be seen. The royal family, steeped in tradition, often moves at a glacial pace, and decisions of this magnitude are never taken lightly. Yet the possibility that the Duke of York could one day be stripped of his titles serves as a reminder that even within the most venerable institutions, change is inevitable—and, in William’s eyes, perhaps essential.
