The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a statement released via Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be giving up his official honors, such as his dukedom. Below are the details of what has been revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Did Andrew Said?
After previously stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “take additional measures” and consent 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 sexual impropriety made against him; albeit after settling millions to resolve the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy over the claims involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to safeguard his relatives from further damage resulting from public speculation.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles?
No. And although this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it enables the prince to openly state to have acted honourably in support of the monarchy. As stated in his announcement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my relatives and the nation first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, Andrew retains the dukedom, as well as the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH His Royal Highness honorific, they are effectively dormant.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the sovereign should he be overseas or ill. Although royal officials has made clear that, realistically, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement indicated this choice was made “following talks with the king”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the royal household advocated for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take an act of parliament, and would represent an unprecedented step publicly before the public – it has not happened to a senior royal in over a century – that it could cause more reputational damage for the monarchy.
The prince remains still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This would only be altered if a letters patent was issued by the king.
The whole process could end up being drawn-out, meaning the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Humiliation, likely above all. The announcement signifies an effective loss of status he has fought against for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to persuade his brother to move out of the thirty-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been shed on exactly how much funds Andrew has received as a result of his position, he continues to be a wealthy individual. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m from the sale of a property that had been a wedding present from the queen, for example.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless series of controversies related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the king and other senior royals.
His association with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny after it emerged 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.
There have also been stories about his connections with a suspected intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed Andrew “thought that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the king is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo soon, during which he will be the first English monarch 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 visit to be marred by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Has Been the Response?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “vindicated” 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 done.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has also said the move is “too little, too late”, noting: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He should be divested of every honor and his navy rank and should face a legal probe. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
