Why Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and What It Means for the Monarchy
In a statement issued via Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has declared that he will be giving up his official honors, such as the Duke of York. Here is an overview of what has been revealed – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Announced?
Having already stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has currently chosen to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he employed the announcement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of misconduct leveled at him; albeit having paid out a substantial sum to resolve the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied all allegations of improper conduct.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy over the allegations involving the prince – especially since his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to protect the royal family from further damage resulting from public speculation.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in multiple ways: first, it allows Andrew to openly state to have behaved with integrity in defence of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, the prince keeps the dukedom, as well as the honors the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the His Royal Highness honorific, they are effectively inactive.
He remains a prince and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign if he is abroad or unwell. Although the palace has made clear that, realistically, he would not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears little doubt that, behind the scenes, the royal household pushed for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a dukedom would take legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it could result in further harm to the image for the royals.
The prince remains a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This could only be changed if a letters patent was enacted by the king.
The whole process could end up being drawn-out, implying the goal of quickly addressing the issue – particularly for the monarchy's interests – may not be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, likely above all. The announcement signifies an effective loss of standing he has resisted for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to persuade Andrew to move out of the thirty-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 status, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to raise £15m by selling a home that had been a wedding present from the queen, for example.
What Prompted This?
The continual series of controversies related to the prince has become intolerable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His association with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines after it emerged Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in an email sent three months after he claimed to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were reports about his connections with a suspected Chinese spy and, recently, excerpts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed Andrew “believed that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the king is due to make a historic visit to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Has Been the Response?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “true justice” to be done.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the move is “too little, too late”, noting: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He should be divested of every honor and his military position and should face a criminal investigation. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
