The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Official Honors – and What It Means for the Monarchy
In a announcement released via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has confirmed he is giving up his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Here are the details of what has been revealed – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Announced?
After previously stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has now decided to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “honor or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he employed the announcement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of misconduct made against him; albeit after settling millions to settle the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied all allegations of improper conduct.
There has been persistent pressure toward the royal institution regarding the claims against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to protect the royal family from further damage caused by public speculation.
Has the King Removed Him of His Titles?
No. And although this might be viewed as a mere formality, it is significant in two respects: first, it allows Andrew to openly state to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As he said in his announcement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first.”
Second, although he consented to abstain from using it, the prince keeps the dukedom, as well as the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as a member of the prestigious order. Similar to the His Royal Highness title, they are effectively dormant.
He remains a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the sovereign if he is overseas or unwell. However royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he will not be asked to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement said this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems highly likely that, privately, the royal household advocated for this in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take an act of parliament, and would represent an unprecedented step in full view of the public – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it could result in further reputational damage for the monarchy.
Andrew is also still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he became as the child of the sovereign. This could only be changed if a royal decree was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure could end up being drawn-out, implying the objective of quickly addressing the issue – particularly for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The statement signifies an effective loss of status he has resisted for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by the king to persuade Andrew to move out of the 30-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been shed on the precise amount of funds Andrew has received due to his status, he remains a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he managed to secure £15m from the sale of a home that had been a wedding present from the queen, for example.
Why Now?
The continual series of controversies involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the king and other senior royals.
His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with a suspected intelligence operative and, recently, extracts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the sovereign is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that visit to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Has Been the Response?
Although he stated his sister had been “justified” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be done.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He should be stripped of all titles and his navy rank and should face a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
