The King has initiated the"formal process" to remove Prince Andrew's titles and honours – and notice has been served for Andrew to surrender his lease at the Royal Lodge, Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

He will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.

The statement said Andrew's lease on his 30-room Windsor home - which he shares with ex-wife Sarah Ferguson -"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," it continued.

"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 statement concluded.