The Reasons Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Royal Honors – and What It Means for the Royal Family
Through a announcement released via the royal household, Prince Andrew has declared that he will be giving up his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Below is an overview of what was announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Has Andrew Announced?
Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has now decided to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been granted to” him.
But he also employed the announcement to make a point of rejecting – as he has always done – the allegations of misconduct leveled at him; even though having paid out millions to resolve the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected all allegations of improper conduct.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the allegations involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from additional harm resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And although this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to openly state to have acted honourably in defence of the monarchy. As stated in his announcement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.”
Additionally, although he consented not to use it, the prince keeps the dukedom, as well as the titles his earldom and his barony and the prestigious position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the His Royal Highness title, they are effectively inactive.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he is also still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the king if he is abroad or ill. However royal officials has made clear that, realistically, he would not be asked to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement indicated the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears little doubt that, privately, the palace pushed for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would require legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it could result in further harm to the image for the monarchy.
The prince remains a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he became such as the son of a monarch. This could only be changed 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 issue – particularly for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be met.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement signifies an effective loss of status he has resisted for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade his brother to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been shed on exactly how much money the prince has obtained as a result of his position, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he managed to raise £15m from the sale of a home that had been a wedding present from the queen, for example.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless series of controversies involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the king and other senior royals.
His friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines following revelations that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in an email dispatched months after he claimed to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, this week, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff next week, when he will become the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that visit to be marred by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Was the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that the prince's style ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has also said the action is “too little, too late”, noting: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He should be stripped of all titles and his military position and should face a criminal investigation. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
