Prince William gives complete backing to King over decision to remove Andrew’s royal ties

Despite the fact the decision was King Charles’s, it has also had the support of the wider family.

Earlier this evening, a statement from Buckingham Palace was issued, reading: "His Majesty has today initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew.

"Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.

"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.

"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 Prince and Princess of Wales are moving into Forest Lodge later this year, which is a stone's throw away from Royal Lodge.

Prince William famously had a frosty encounter with his paternal uncle after the funeral service for Katharine, Duchess of Kent, in September.

Andrew appeared to laugh, while William remained silent during the awkward scenes.

Tonight's removal process applies to Andrew’s titles of Prince, Duke of York, Earl of Inverness, Baron Killyleagh and the style "His Royal Highness".

The honours affected are Prince Andrew’s Order of the Garter and Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order.

GB News understands that King Charles acted swiftly following recent developments, which led to his brother relinquishing the use of his titles and honours as soon and efficiently possible.

These developments are thought to have required time, legal and constitutional expertise, and support from the wider family to bring about.

Andrew's daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, will keep their princess titles.

Amid the controversy, King Charles is said to be very keen to "protect" nieces Princess Beatrice, 37, and Princess Eugenie, 35, who remain Her Royal Highnesses as granddaughters of Queen Elizabeth.

Andrew has always denied wrongdoing, but it is understood that the scandals surrounding the King's brother were becoming too much of a distraction.

The People's Channel also understands that King Charles has not opted to abolish the Dukedom via an Act of Parliament, as that would take up precious Parliamentary time, and is doing all he can within his own Royal Prerogative.