King Charles III has taken steps to remove his brother, formerly known as Prince Andrew, from his remaining royal roles, including his affiliation with the Order of the Garter and his status as a Knight of the Grand Cross of the Royal Victoria Order, which an expert describes as "better this than never" when it came to timing.
"Generally, it’s always better to act swiftly, though better late than never. Clearly, Prince William's influence is evident," stated Hilary Fordwich, a British royal commentator, speaking to Fox News Digital.
The decisions were publicised in the Gazette on Monday, the official public ledger of the United Kingdom.
"THE KING has decreed that the title granted to Andrew Albert Christian Edward MOUNTBATTEN-WINDSOR as a Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, which was appointed on 23 April 2006, is to be revoked and his name removed from the Register of the said Order," the initial announcement reads, citing Andrew’s promotion within the Order of the Garter in 2006.
He was granted the rank of Knight of the Grand Cross of the Royal Victoria Order in 2011.
"THE KING has determined that the status of Andrew Albert Christian Edward MOUNTBATTEN-WINDSOR as a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, appointed on 19 February 2011, is to be rescinded and his name withdrawn from the Order's Register," stated the second announcement.
Last October, the palace initially declared that Andrew would be stripped of the "Style, Titles, and Honours of Prince Andrew" due to the accusations linked to Jeffrey Epstein.
He is now referred to solely as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, without any princely titles.
"His residency agreement at Royal Lodge has so far provided him a legal cover to continue living there," the Oct. 30 declaration added. "He has now been officially notified to give up the lease and will relocate to another private residence."
According to the palace, these actions "are necessary despite his ongoing denial of the claims against him."
The statement concluded with: "Their Majesties wish to affirm their deep compassion and empathy for the victims and survivors of any abuse," stated the palace.
Royal analyst Ian Pelham Turner revealed to Fox News Digital that sympathy for Andrew is scarce within the royal family.
"King Charles, in my view, retains Andrew close partly due to family loyalty and partly to prevent any new 'Spare' publications," Turner clarified.
Andrew's daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, whom he shares with former spouse Sarah Ferguson, will maintain their titles.
Royal observer Meredith Constant suggested the timing was ideal for the palace to announce Andrew's loss of his last royal distinctions on Monday.
"Concerning the timing, with all the recent developments involving the royals and their leasing deals... and the complexity of relocating Andrew from Royal Lodge, this moment was optimal for The Palace to issue this update," Constant shared with Fox News Digital.
"There's been a favourable public reaction to Andrew facing at least a symbolic level of accountability, projecting King Charles as decisive, thereby enhancing media coverage."
Epstein accuser Virginia Roberts Giuffre had filed a lawsuit against Andrew, alleging coerced sexual encounters, including when she was only 17. Giuffre tragically ended her life earlier this year.