The Reasons Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Royal Titles – and What It Means for the Monarchy
Through a announcement issued by the royal household, Prince Andrew has confirmed he is relinquishing his official honors, including his dukedom. Below is an overview of what was revealed – and what wasn't.
What Has Andrew Said?
After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “go a step further” and agree to refrain from using the “honor or the honours which have been granted to” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of misconduct made against him; albeit having paid out a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct.
There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy regarding the allegations against Andrew – especially since his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to protect his relatives from additional harm resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it holds importance in multiple ways: first, it enables the prince to openly state to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, along with the titles his earldom and his barony and the prestigious Garter role as a member of the prestigious order. Similar to the His Royal Highness title, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he is also still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the sovereign if he is abroad or ill. However the palace has indicated that, realistically, he will not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement indicated the decision was made “following talks with the king”. It appears little doubt that, privately, the royal household advocated for the move in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would require an act of parliament, and would represent such a historic move in full view of the public – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the monarchy.
The prince remains a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the child of the sovereign. This would only be altered if a letters patent was issued by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure might ultimately being drawn-out, meaning the goal of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by the king to encourage Andrew to move out of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been shed on exactly how much money Andrew has received as a result of his position, he remains a wealthy individual. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m from the sale of a home that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless series of controversies related to the prince has proved intolerable for the king and other senior royals.
His association with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines following revelations Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in a message sent three months after he claimed to have ended communication.
There have also been reports about his association with a suspected intelligence operative and, this week, extracts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed Andrew “thought that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the initial British king 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 overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Has Been the Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be done.
The republican campaign group Republic has also said the action is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual offences and misuse of position. He should be divested of all titles and his navy rank and should face a legal probe. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
