Why Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and What It Means for the Royal Family
In a statement issued by the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed he is giving up his official honors, including the Duke of York. Here is an overview of what was revealed – and what wasn't.
What Has Andrew Said?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “go a step further” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he used the statement to emphatically rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of misconduct leveled at him; albeit having paid out millions to settle the civil sexual assault case brought 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 over the allegations against Andrew – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect his relatives from additional harm resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it enables the prince to openly state to have behaved with integrity in support of the monarchy. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my relatives and the nation first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, the prince keeps his ducal title, as well as the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious Garter role as a member of the prestigious order. Like the HRH His Royal Highness honorific, they are effectively inactive.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he is also still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be overseas or unwell. However the palace has made clear that, realistically, he would not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement said this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, privately, the royal household advocated for this in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would take legislative action, and would represent an unprecedented step in full view of the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely cause more harm to the image for the monarchy.
The prince remains a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This could only be altered if a letters patent was enacted by the king.
The whole process could end up being drawn-out, meaning the goal of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be met.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has fought against for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by his brother to encourage his brother to relocate of the thirty-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about the precise amount of money Andrew has received due to his position, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from the queen, for example.
Why Now?
The continual series of controversies related to the prince has become intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in a message dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were reports about his connections with a suspected Chinese spy and, recently, extracts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged the prince “believed that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the king is due to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo next week, when he will become the first English monarch since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “justified” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “Andrew remains accused of sexual offences and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of every honor and his military position and should face a criminal investigation. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
