The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Monarchy
Through a announcement released via Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has confirmed he is giving up his official honors, including the Duke of York. Here is an overview of what was announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Has the Prince Said?
Having already stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has currently decided to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “honor or the honours which have been granted to” him.
However, he employed the announcement to emphatically rejecting – as he has always done – the accusations of misconduct leveled at him; albeit having paid out millions to settle the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has existed persistent pressure on the monarchy over the claims involving the prince – especially since his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect the royal family from further damage resulting from media scrutiny.
Has the King Removed Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in multiple ways: first, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As stated in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my relatives and country first.”
Second, while he has agreed not to use it, the prince keeps his ducal title, as well as the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Like the HRH His Royal Highness honorific, they are effectively dormant.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the king if he is overseas or unwell. However royal officials has made clear that, realistically, he will not be asked to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement said the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. There seems highly likely that, privately, the palace pushed for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would require an act of parliament, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the public – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it could result in further reputational damage for the royals.
Andrew is also still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the child of the sovereign. This could only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The whole process might ultimately being protracted, meaning the objective of quickly addressing the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an substantial reduction of status he has fought against for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, despite rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade Andrew to relocate of the 30-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been shed on the precise amount of funds Andrew has received as a result of his status, he continues to be a person of means. In 2007, he managed to raise £15m from the sale of a property that had been a gift from the queen, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless list of scandals related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the king and other senior royals.
His association with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines after it emerged Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in an email dispatched months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with an alleged Chinese spy and, this week, excerpts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged Andrew “thought that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the king is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo soon, when he will become the first English monarch since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that visit 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, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “true justice” to be done.
The republican campaign group Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should face a legal probe. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
