The ceremonial banner featuring Prince Andrew’s heraldic emblem has been removed from its position in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. These banners in the chapel represent members of the Order of the Garter, the oldest chivalric order in Britain, displaying their complete coat of arms above the choir stall.
Typically, such removal of display only occurs in cases of high treason or rebellion against the Crown. Prince Andrew received the privilege of showcasing his coat of arms in the chapel upon his induction into the Order of the Garter nearly two decades ago, a tradition dating back to the 14th century.
Photographs revealed by The Sun indicate that the banner was displayed on Saturday but taken down by Wednesday. It features symbolic elements such as the three lions of England, the harp of Ireland, Scotland’s lion rampant, and an anchor representing his naval career. According to a source, the removal was timed conveniently.
St George’s Chapel holds significance for Prince Andrew, as it was where he attended the funerals of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022, and his late father, Prince Philip, 18 months earlier. Following ongoing fallout from allegations of sexual misconduct with Jeffrey Epstein’s trafficking victim, Virginia Giuffre, Prince Andrew reportedly voluntarily relinquished his royal titles last week.
Despite facing pressure to vacate his residence amid the controversy surrounding his connections to Epstein, Prince Andrew continues to reside in the Royal Lodge. Reports suggest that details about his rent on the Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park were redacted in a lease submitted over two decades ago.
Efforts to obtain further information from the Royal Collection Trust press office are ongoing.
