The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Official Titles – and What It Means for the Royal Family
In a announcement issued by Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be relinquishing his official honors, such as his dukedom. Below are the details of what has been revealed – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Said?
Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has currently decided to “go a step further” and consent not to use the “honor or the honours which have been granted to” him.
However, he employed the announcement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; even though having paid out a substantial sum to resolve the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed persistent pressure toward the royal institution regarding the allegations involving the prince – particularly after his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect his relatives from further damage caused by public speculation.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Honors?
No. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it is significant in two respects: first, it enables the prince to openly state to have behaved with integrity in support of the monarchy. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my relatives and the nation first.”
Second, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, Andrew retains his ducal title, along with the honors the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the His Royal Highness honorific, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the sovereign if he is overseas or unwell. However the palace has indicated that, realistically, he will not be asked to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for this in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
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 publicly before the public – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely cause more reputational damage for the royals.
The prince remains still a prince. 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 protracted, implying 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, probably more than anything else. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has resisted for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by the king to encourage Andrew to relocate of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been revealed about exactly how much funds the prince has obtained due to his status, 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 continual list of scandals involving Andrew has become unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in an email sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
There have also been reports about his connections with a suspected intelligence operative and, this week, extracts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, during which he will be the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the action is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He should be divested of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Not using archaic honors is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
