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07 November 2025
Issue: 8138 / Categories: Legal News , Constitutional law
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NLJ this week: A prince no more?

Professor Graham Zellick KC argues in NLJ this week that, despite Buckingham Palace’s statement stripping Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his styles, titles and honours, he remains legally a duke

The removal of his name from the Roll of the Peerage, Zellick explains, does not extinguish the peerage itself, which can only be removed by Act of Parliament. While the King was within his prerogative to revoke royal titles and knighthoods, the dukedom—being a hereditary honour—is untouched.

Zellick contends that past case law, rooted in the Duke’s former membership of the Lords, may not bind current practice and that what is granted under the prerogative can be undone likewise. Still, he calls for clarity: Andrew’s formal status may persist, but public recognition will not.

The King’s bold action, he concludes, is symbolically potent if legally imprecise.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Charles Russell Speechlys—James Paterson

Charles Russell Speechlys—James Paterson

Charles Russell Speechlys further bolsters Private Equity expertise with the appointment of James Paterson

Ellisons—Samuel Flower

Ellisons—Samuel Flower

Ellisons strengthens Rural Affairs team with senior appointment

Sidley—Carl Hotton

Sidley—Carl Hotton

Sidley adds insurance mergers and acquisitions partner to London office

NEWS
A deputy costs judge correctly exercised his discretion to allow late service rather than strike out the point of dispute, the Court of Appeal has held
Prince Harry, Baroness Doreen Lawrence and five others have lost their case against the publisher of the Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday and MailOnline, in Various Claimants v Associated Newspapers [2026] EWHC 1637 (KB)
Public confidence in the justice system is being undermined by a lack of accessible, useable data, magistrates have warned
The Sentencing Council has launched draft guidelines for facilitation and endangering another person during a sea crossing to the UK
Government proposals to make independent written legal advice a prerequisite for workplace non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) may prove unworkable, according to a senior employment lawyer
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