King Charles has been seen for the first time since his brother, Prince Andrew, announced he would surrender his remaining royal titles amid yet another wave of scandals.
The 76-year-old monarch was pictured driving to Sunday service at Crathie Kirk near the Balmoral estate in Aberdeenshire, looking tense and solemn after what has been a testing few days for the royal family.
The Duke of York Relinquishes Titles
On Friday, Prince Andrew confirmed he would no longer be known as the Duke of York and was stepping down from the Order of the Garter, Britain’s oldest order of chivalry.
Sources indicate that the decision followed strong pressure from the King, in consultation with other family members including Prince William, Princess Anne, and Prince Edward.
King Charles reportedly spoke to Andrew by phone from Scotland and feels “glad” at the outcome.
Andrew’s Remaining Honours and Living Arrangements
While Andrew will give up his Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, he will continue to hold the title of prince as the son of Queen Elizabeth II.
His ex-wife, Sarah, Duchess of York, will now revert to using her maiden name, Sarah Ferguson, though she remains supportive of Andrew.
The couple will continue to reside at the Royal Lodge in Windsor, where Andrew enjoys a private tenancy agreement that allows him to stay as long as he can afford the rent.
Pressure and Public Scrutiny
The family has endured another week of damaging headlines, with renewed revelations about Andrew’s dealings with Jeffrey Epstein.
Buckingham Palace sources expressed relief that Andrew had finally “fallen on his sword” after years of urging him to maintain a low profile, following his earlier stripping of the HRH title and removal from public duties in 2022.
Andrew issued a statement denying sexual assault allegations made by the late Virginia Giuffre, but admitted the continued scrutiny was a “distraction” from the royal family’s work.
The Virginia Giuffre Case and Emails
Andrew’s exoneration from titles comes amid disturbing revelations from emails obtained by the Mail on Sunday.
These showed that, contrary to his claims, he maintained contact with Epstein in 2011.
The emails included messages stating, “we are in this together” and “we’ll play more soon,” highlighting contradictions in Andrew’s previous public statements and raising serious questions about his behavior.
Giuffre’s family described Andrew’s decision to step back from his titles as vindication for their sister and survivors everywhere.
Protecting the Royal Legacy
King Charles reportedly chose not to strip Andrew of the princely title outright to avoid affecting his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who remain HRHs.
Titles and honors are now effectively “in abeyance,” meaning they exist but remain inactive.
Andrew also formally remains a Counsellor of State, though non-working royals will not be called upon to act in this capacity.
Social and Personal Repercussions
The fallout has been significant. Andrew canceled a lavish birthday party for Sarah Ferguson at Royal Lodge amid the renewed scandal, and there are growing calls for him to leave the property voluntarily.
Despite this, he continues to pay a nominal rent and has invested millions into restoring the mansion.
Royal experts suggest the move preserves the dignity of the monarchy while avoiding further parliamentary complications.
A Symbolic Blow from the Order of the Garter
Perhaps the most striking consequence for Andrew is relinquishing his place in the Order of the Garter, a highly prized honor founded in 1348.
While the King could strip the title himself, it was preferred that Andrew do so voluntarily.
Historically, removal from this prestigious order has only occurred under extraordinary circumstances, including Emperor Hirohito of Japan during World War II.
A Royal Family in Recovery
The decision marks a turning point for the monarchy, signaling a desire to move past years of controversy while protecting younger royals from fallout.
King Charles’ careful approach reflects both compassion for family members and the need to shield the institution from ongoing scrutiny.
Observers believe this chapter closes a difficult week but underscores the fragility of public trust in the modern royal family.