Former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly described the removal of Prince Andrew’s titles as a “tragic situation,” expressing sympathy for the British royal family.
The comments were made to journalists while Trump was traveling. “It’s a terrible thing that’s happened to the family,” he stated. “That’s been a tragic situation and it’s too bad. I mean I feel badly for the family.”
This reaction follows a formal announcement from Buckingham Palace last week, confirming that King Charles III had initiated the process to strip his brother, Andrew, of his royal styles and honours. The Duke of York will now be known legally as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. The palace also stated that notice had been served to end his lease on the Royal Lodge, meaning he must vacate the royal residence for private accommodation.
Andrew’s ties to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have long overshadowed his royal role. He has consistently denied allegations, notably from Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual assault when she was a minor—a claim he settled out of court in 2022. Giuffre detailed her account in a memoir published after her death earlier this year.
The controversy surrounding Andrew has also drawn attention to his past associations. A recently published biography references an alleged friendship between Andrew and Donald Trump, suggesting they shared social circles in the early 2000s. Historical photographs have circulated showing the two men together with Jeffrey Epstein at social events during that period.
The palace’s decisive action marks a significant moment for the monarchy, representing a firm break between the institution and a member whose associations have generated sustained scandal.
