Britain’s monarchy took an unmistakable step toward accountability this week when King Charles III formally stripped Andrew of his “Prince” title, his dukedom, and his royal honours, evicting him from the Royal Lodge and downgrading his standing from royal figure to private citizen. The precipitating trigger was the release of Virginia Giuffre’s memoir, which renewed public scrutiny of the former prince’s ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the vast web of abuse and trafficking allegations that have shadowed his reputation for years.
It is rare—even historic—that a senior royal is stripped of so many honours, and the move speaks to changing expectations of power, privilege, and public accountability. Some argue that the monarchy could no longer afford the moral and reputational burden of tolerating a figure so deeply implicated in the Epstein network. The decision draws a line: no longer can rank or lineage offer insulation against public judgment.
Yet while Britain acts, the question looms over here: why has the curtain not been pulled back on the full scope of Epstein’s network—or on those in positions of wealth and power who allegedly preyed on children and young people? If a prince can be stripped of title, if the palace can say that it stands with survivors, then why should elites on our side of the Atlantic remain shielded from scrutiny? The same logic of accountability applies.
This is not merely about one individual; it is about the system that tolerated him. Every investigation delayed, every sealed file, every name unspoken is part of the same broken logic that power can quietly negotiate escape from responsibility. Britain may have chosen to confront that with symbolic—as well as concrete—action. The moral ask now is whether we’ll follow.
It is time to demand the release of the fuller files in the U.S. context—not as a partisan act, but as a necessary step toward justice. Let the names be heard. Let the investigations proceed. Let guardians of privilege no longer assume immunity because of wealth or position. The removal of Prince Andrew’s titles is a solemn reminder: accountability must not be optional for the wealthy or well-connected. It is a standard that must uniformly apply.
For survivors who waited decades for a nod of recognition, this moment should not pass as a mere curiosity. It must become a catalyst. If a royal can be un-princely, then surely the wealthy and powerful of our own era can be openly held to account. We owe them no less.