The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a announcement released via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has declared he is giving up his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Here are the details of what was revealed – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Said?
Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “go a step further” and consent not to use the “title or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also employed the announcement to make a point of rejecting – as he has always done – the allegations of sexual impropriety made against him; albeit after settling millions to resolve the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of wrongdoing.
There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy regarding the claims against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to safeguard the royal family from further damage caused by media scrutiny.
Has the King Removed Him of His Titles?
No. And although this might be viewed as a mere formality, it holds importance in multiple ways: initially, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in defence of the monarchy. As stated in his announcement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my relatives and country first.”
Second, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, the prince keeps his ducal title, as well as the honors his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious Garter role as a member of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH His Royal Highness honorific, they are effectively inactive.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be overseas or unwell. However the palace has indicated that, realistically, he would not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement indicated the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. There seems highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for this in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a dukedom would require legislative action, and would represent an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely result in further harm to the image for the monarchy.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This could only be changed if a letters patent was issued by the reigning monarch.
The whole process might ultimately being drawn-out, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an substantial reduction of status he has fought against for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by his brother to encourage his brother to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been shed on exactly how much funds the prince has obtained due to his position, he remains a person of means. Back in 2007, he managed to secure £15m from the sale of a property that had been a gift from the queen, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The continual series of controversies involving Andrew has become unacceptable for the king and other senior royals.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in an email sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
There have also been reports about his connections with an alleged Chinese spy and, this week, extracts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed the prince “believed that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the sovereign is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, during which he will be the first English monarch since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that trip to be marred by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Has Been the Response?
Although he stated his sister had been “vindicated” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He should be divested of every honor and his military position and should face a criminal investigation. Not using archaic honors is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
