The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family
In a statement released by the royal household, Prince Andrew has declared that he will be giving up his official honors, including his dukedom. Here is an overview of what has been announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Has Andrew Said?
After previously stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has currently chosen to “go a step further” and agree not to use 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 accusations of misconduct made against him; even though having paid out a substantial sum to resolve the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected all allegations of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the allegations involving the prince – especially since his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to safeguard his relatives from additional harm caused by public speculation.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Titles?
No. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it is significant in two respects: initially, it enables the prince to openly state to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As stated in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.”
Second, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, as well as the titles his earldom and his barony and the esteemed position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style honorific, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the sovereign should he be overseas or ill. However royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he would not be asked to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement said the decision was made “following talks with the king”. It appears little doubt that, privately, the palace pushed for this in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a dukedom would take legislative action, and would represent an unprecedented step publicly before the public – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely cause more harm to the image for the monarchy.
Andrew is also still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This would only be changed if a letters patent was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure could end up being drawn-out, implying the goal of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be met.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The statement signifies an effective loss of standing he has fought against for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by the king to persuade his brother to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been revealed about exactly how much funds the prince has obtained as a result of his position, he remains a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he was able to raise £15m from the sale of a property that had been a gift from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless series of controversies related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in a message dispatched months after he claimed to have ended communication.
There have also been stories about his association with an alleged Chinese spy and, recently, excerpts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged Andrew “thought that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the sovereign is due to make a historic visit to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the initial British king after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that trip to be marred by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Was the Response?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has also said the action is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He ought to be divested of every honor and his military position and should undergo a criminal investigation. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
