Former Prince Andrew is reportedly considering adopting the title "Commander" for official use overseas, aiming to reclaim a sense of status and legitimacy lost after being stripped of his royal and military titles. According to a source, this non-royal rebrand is framed as a "reset" in his life, particularly amid rumors of a potential relocation to the Gulf region.
The plan involves using his retired naval rank, "Commander Mountbatten-Windsor," on paperwork instead of "Mr." A palace aide suggested the title makes him "feel legitimate again" and is seen as something that can "travel well" internationally. However, other sources warn the strategy is fraught with risk and could "backfire spectacularly," appearing as "borrowed grandeur" rather than genuine humility.
Advisers have reportedly discussed overseas options, including Bahrain or Saudi Arabia, where Andrew maintains contacts from his time as a trade envoy. The move follows his departure from Royal Lodge and his link to a smaller property. While Andrew is said to be aware of comparisons to the fictional Commander James Bond and even "leans into them," critics caution that the world now expects humility, and the optics of this title push could trigger fresh backlash.