During a climate summit in Brazil on November 5, the Prince of Wales was asked about how he is coping with the “change” in his family following his uncle Prince Andrew being stripped of royal titles. Rather than addressing the family matter directly, Prince William shifted the focus to his nonprofit, The Royal Foundation’s Earthshot Prize.
“I think the Earthshot Prize is a classic example of change,” William told CNN’s Christianne Amanpour. “Rather than talk about it, we’re doing it. These people in here are the true action heroes of all time, and change will come by backing them, not by what I do.” The global award recognizes five individuals each year for their contributions to environmental protection and sustainability.
The attention on Prince William comes after Prince Andrew announced last month that he would give up his Duke of York title following scrutiny over his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and sexual abuse allegations made by Virginia Giuffre in 2021. Andrew, who settled a civil lawsuit with Giuffre in 2022, has repeatedly denied the allegations.
King Charles III subsequently stripped Andrew of his remaining royal titles, with Buckingham Palace announcing on October 30 that he would now be referred to as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor and would vacate Royal Lodge. “His Majesty has today initiated a formal process to remove the style, titles and honours of Prince Andrew,” the statement read. “These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him.”
Although Prince William has not publicly commented on the situation, E! News reported that he, alongside his wife Kate Middleton and Queen Camilla, supported the king’s decision. Buckingham Palace emphasized that the royal family’s sympathies remain with victims and survivors of all forms of abuse.
