The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family
In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has declared that he will be relinquishing his official honors, such as his dukedom. Here are the details of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Said?
After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has currently chosen to “go a step further” and consent not to use the “honor or the honours which have been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 emphatically denying – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of misconduct leveled at him; albeit after settling millions to settle the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected all allegations of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution regarding the claims involving the prince – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect his relatives from further damage caused by public speculation.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Honors?
No. And although this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in multiple ways: first, it allows Andrew to openly state to have behaved with integrity in support of the crown. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to put my duty to my relatives and the nation first.”
Second, while he has agreed not to use it, the prince keeps the dukedom, as well as the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style title, they are effectively dormant.
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 king should he be abroad or ill. However the palace has made clear that, realistically, he would not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement indicated the decision was made “following talks with the king”. It appears little doubt that, privately, the royal household pushed for this in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would require an act of parliament, and would constitute such a historic move in full view of 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 still a prince. When he was born 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 could end up being protracted, implying the goal of swiftly resolving the issue – particularly for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an effective loss of status he has resisted for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by the king to persuade his brother to relocate of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been revealed about the precise amount of funds Andrew has received due to his position, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he managed to raise £15m by selling a property that had been a gift 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 high-ranking family members.
His association with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny after it emerged Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in a message dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
There have also been stories about his association with an alleged Chinese spy and, recently, extracts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed Andrew “thought that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the king is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, during which he will be the initial British king after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be marred by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Has Been the Response?
While he said his sister had been “justified” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has also said the action is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He should be stripped of all titles and his military position and should undergo a criminal investigation. Not using archaic honors is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
