Why Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Royal Family
In a announcement released via the royal household, the king's brother has declared he is giving up his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Below are the details of what has been revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Has Andrew Announced?
After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “go a step further” and consent not to use the “honor or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of rejecting – as he has always done – the accusations of sexual impropriety made against him; even though having paid out millions to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the allegations involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to protect his relatives from further damage resulting from public speculation.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Titles?
No. And although this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in multiple ways: first, it allows Andrew 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 country first.”
Additionally, although he consented to abstain from using it, the prince keeps the dukedom, along with the honors his earldom and his barony and the prestigious position as a member of the prestigious order. Like the HRH His Royal Highness title, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be overseas or ill. Although royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement indicated this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a ducal title would require legislative action, and would represent such a historic move in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely cause more reputational damage for the royals.
The prince remains a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he became as the son of a monarch. This would only be changed if a letters patent was issued by the reigning monarch.
The whole process could end up being drawn-out, implying the objective of quickly addressing the matter – at least for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be met.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The announcement signifies an effective loss of status he has fought against for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by his brother to encourage Andrew to relocate of the thirty-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained due to his position, he continues to be a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he managed to secure £15m by selling a home that had been a gift from his mother, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless series of controversies involving Andrew has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in a message sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts 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 make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo soon, during which he will be the first English monarch since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that trip to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Has Been the Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that the prince's style should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should face a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
