Why Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Monarchy
Through a announcement released by the royal household, Prince Andrew has confirmed that he will be relinquishing his official honors, such as his dukedom. Below is an overview of what was announced – and what wasn't.
What Has Andrew Said?
After previously stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has currently chosen to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “title or the honours which have been granted to” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the allegations of sexual impropriety made against him; even though after settling millions to resolve the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct.
There has been persistent pressure toward the royal institution regarding the claims against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to safeguard his relatives from further damage caused by media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And although this might be viewed as a mere formality, it is significant in two respects: first, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have acted honourably in defence of the monarchy. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my family and country first.”
Second, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, along with the honors the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the prestigious position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style title, they are effectively dormant.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the king if he is overseas or unwell. Although royal officials has made clear that, realistically, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement said this choice was made “following talks with the king”. There seems highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for this in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take an act of parliament, and would represent such a historic move publicly before the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it could result in further harm to the image for the monarchy.
Andrew is also still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This could only be changed if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The entire procedure might ultimately being protracted, meaning the objective of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The announcement represents an substantial reduction of standing he has resisted for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to encourage Andrew to relocate of the thirty-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been revealed about exactly how much money Andrew has received as a result of his status, he remains a wealthy individual. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m from the sale of a property that had been a wedding present from his mother, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless series of controversies involving Andrew has become intolerable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His association with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny after it emerged Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in a message sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
There have also been stories about his association with an alleged Chinese spy and, this week, extracts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed the prince “thought that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the king is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo next week, when he will become the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth split with Rome 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 further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
While he said Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has also said the action is “too little, too late”, noting: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of all titles and his military position and should face a legal probe. Not using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
