Queen Camilla and Kate Middleton Were Reportedly Part of the Decision to Strip Prince Andrew of His Titles

The Duke of York announced he was relinquishing his royal titles this past month amid allegations of sexual misconduct leveled against him and his alleged ties to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Buckingham Palace recently announced that King Charles III was stripping his brother, the former Prince Andrew, of his titles following a string of allegations against him. The decision was made known to the public this past month.

While it was ultimately King Charles' decision, the monarch had support from his immediate and extended family, who were actively involved in discussions that led to the announcement, including his eldest son, Prince William.

The King used his Royal Prerogative, which allows him to manage certain royal titles and honors without involving Parliament. In addition to William helping him reach his decision, a source tells People they also "sensed a female touch" in the process.

"I would think the Queen had a hand in that," the source speculated. "There would have been a push from Camilla and Catherine, and there was pressure from William, who would not want to inherit the headache."

"It was quite strong, and I was quite proud when I heard it," the source added. Queen Camilla, 78, has long been a supporter of causes related to domestic violence, sexual abuse, and assault.

She previously revealed that she was a victim of sexual assault as a teen in a personal letter penned to Gisèle Pelicot, a French woman who made headlines in 2020 after her husband was arrested for drugging and raping her on numerous occasions between 2011 and 2020.

Camilla also connected with survivors of domestic and sexual violence in a powerful documentary, titled "Her Majesty The Queen: Behind Closed Doors," released in November 2024.

About two weeks after the announcement was made, Buckingham Palace released a statement on October 30, writing, "His Majesty has today initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew."

"His lease on Royal Lodge has, to date, provided him with legal protection to continue in residence. Formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease and he will move to alternative private accommodation," the statement continued.

"These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him. Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse," the message concluded.

The titles in question include Prince, Duke of York, Earl of Inverness, Baron Killyleagh and "His Royal Highness." The former Prince Andrew now goes by Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. According to another source, prior to relinquishing his titles, Andrew had been given multiple opportunities to "do the right thing."

"He would have been really exasperated with it," the insider said of King Charles' decision. "Andrew had been given so many chances and opportunities to do the right thing, and he would be exasperated that he had to make a difficult decision rather than Andrew dealing with it. He would find it quite painful."