King Charles reportedly held a private celebration for senior members of the royal family just a night before formally stripping his younger brother, Prince Andrew, of his royal titles.
According to Hello! Magazine, the 76-year-old monarch hosted a discreet party at Windsor Castle on October 29 to mark the 90th birthday of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent.
The event was attended by several senior royals, including Princess Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, and Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester. The Duke of Kent’s siblings, Prince Michael and Princess Alexandra, were also present at the gathering.
Notably, Prince William and Princess Kate were absent from the event, as it coincided with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis’ half-term school break.
The following day, on October 30, Buckingham Palace announced that Prince Andrew, 65, would no longer be referred to as a prince or use the title “His Royal Highness.” He will now be known simply as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
In addition to losing his titles, the former Duke of York also forfeited his residence at Royal Lodge in Windsor, where he had lived since 2003.
Prince Edward, Duke of Kent — a first cousin to both the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip — celebrated his 90th birthday on October 9.
