Why Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and What It Means for the Royal Family
Through a statement issued by Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has declared that he will be giving up his official honors, including his dukedom. Below are the details of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Announced?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has currently decided to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “honor or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also used the statement to emphatically denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; albeit after settling a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied any claims of improper conduct.
There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy regarding the allegations involving the prince – particularly after his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect his relatives from additional harm caused by public speculation.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles?
No. And although this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it is significant in multiple ways: first, it enables the prince to openly state to have behaved with integrity 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.”
Second, although he consented to abstain from using it, the prince keeps the dukedom, along with the titles his earldom and his barony and the esteemed position as a member of the prestigious order. Like the HRH royal style title, they are effectively dormant.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he is also still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the sovereign should he be abroad or ill. Although the palace has made clear that, realistically, he would not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “in discussion with the monarch”. 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 Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a ducal title would take legislative action, and would represent such a historic move publicly before the public – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the monarchy.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he became as the child of the sovereign. This could only be altered if a letters patent was issued by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure could end up being drawn-out, implying the objective of quickly addressing the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be met.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by the king to persuade his brother to relocate of the thirty-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been shed on exactly how much money the prince has obtained due to his status, he continues to be a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he was able to raise £15m from the sale of a property that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The continual series of controversies involving Andrew has become unacceptable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His friendship with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines following revelations that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in a message sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
There have also been stories about his association with an alleged Chinese spy and, this week, extracts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged Andrew “thought that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the king is due to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the initial British king after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that trip to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
Although he stated his sister had been “vindicated” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has also said the move is “too little, too late”, adding: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be divested of all titles and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
