The Reasons Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Royal Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
Through a statement released via the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be giving up his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Below are the details of what has been announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Has Andrew Announced?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now decided to “take additional measures” and consent not to use the “title or the honours which have been granted to” him.
However, he employed the announcement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of misconduct leveled at him; albeit after settling a substantial sum to settle the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has been ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy regarding the claims against Andrew – particularly after his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect his relatives from additional harm caused by media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in two respects: first, it enables the prince 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 prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.”
Second, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains the dukedom, as well as the titles his earldom and his barony and the prestigious Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the His Royal Highness title, they are effectively dormant.
He remains a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the sovereign should he be overseas or ill. Although royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he would not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement said this choice was made “in discussion with the monarch”. It appears highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace advocated 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 ducal title would require legislative action, and would constitute such a historic move publicly before the nation – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely cause more reputational damage for the royals.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the child of the sovereign. This would only be altered if a letters patent was enacted by the king.
The whole process could end up being protracted, meaning the objective of quickly addressing the issue – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be met.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, likely above all. The announcement represents an effective loss of status he has resisted for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to encourage 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 funds the prince has obtained as a result of his position, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to raise £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from the queen, for example.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless series of controversies related to the prince has become intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in an email sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his association with a suspected intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged the prince “believed that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is scheduled to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, during which he will be the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be marred by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Has Been the Reaction?
Although he stated his sister had been “justified” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has also said the action is “too little, too late”, adding: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He should be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should face a legal probe. Not using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
