Andrew Mountbatten Windsor continues to rank above Princess Anne in the royal line of succession, despite losing his titles this evening.

King Charles has formally begun the process of removing his brother’s styles and honours, but this has not affected the established succession order.

 

Palace sources told GB News that Andrew remains eighth in line to the throne.

Buckingham Palace confirmed the move in a statement tonight, saying: “His Majesty has today initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew.

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor and Princess Anne

Andrew remains ahead of Princess Anne in Royal Family line of succession despite losing titles

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“Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.”

Although his titles have been withdrawn, Andrew’s position ahead of his sister is unchanged. This dates back to the rule of male-preference primogeniture, under which younger sons took precedence over older daughters.

When the late Queen’s children were born, this rule placed Andrew and Edward ahead of Anne. Parliament replaced it with gender-neutral succession in 2013, but the reform only applies to royals born after October 28, 2011.

As a result, Anne remains behind her younger brother, born in 1960, while the new law applies only to the next generation.

Princess Anne

Princess Anne is one of the hardest working royals | GETTY

The contrast between royal workload and succession ranking is particularly stark in Anne’s case.

She completed 474 engagements in 2024, a 2.4 per cent increase from the previous year, earning her a reputation as the monarchy’s hardest-working member. Andrew, by comparison, has not undertaken official duties since 2019.

Despite this, succession remains determined by birth order, not service.

The King’s order also includes the removal of Andrew’s titles, Duke of York, Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and a directive to vacate Royal Lodge.

Line of Succession
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor is listed as ‘Duke of York’ on Line of Succession | ROYAL.UK

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor
Andrew to live in Sandringham property funded by King after Royal Lodge exit | GETTY“The lease on Royal Lodge has, to date, provided him with legal protection to continue in residence,” the Palace said. “Formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease and he will move to alternative private accommodation.”

Andrew has lived at the Windsor property since 2003, with Sarah Ferguson joining him five years later. The couple, divorced since 1996 but long cohabiting, will now live separately.

The King will privately fund Andrew’s move to a property on the Sandringham Estate.

Sarah, who ceased using her Duchess of York title when Andrew dropped his Duke title on October 17, will need to secure her own home.