The Reasons Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Royal Family
In a announcement issued by the royal household, Prince Andrew has declared that he will be giving up his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what was announced – and what wasn't.
What Did the Prince Announced?
Having already stepped down as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now decided to “go a step further” and agree to refrain from using the “honor or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of sexual impropriety made against him; even though after settling millions to resolve the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy regarding the allegations involving the prince – especially since his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to safeguard his relatives from further damage resulting from media scrutiny.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Titles?
No. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: initially, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have acted honourably in defence of the crown. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains the dukedom, as well as the honors the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the esteemed Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Similar to the His Royal Highness title, they are effectively dormant.
He remains a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the king if he is overseas or unwell. However royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement said this choice was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears little doubt that, behind the scenes, the royal household advocated for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take legislative action, and would represent an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it would likely cause more harm to the image for the monarchy.
The prince remains 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 reigning monarch.
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 Does It Mean for Andrew?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has fought against for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, despite rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade his brother to relocate of the 30-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on the precise amount of money Andrew has received as a result of his position, he remains a wealthy individual. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The continual series of controversies related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His friendship with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines 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 book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed Andrew “thought that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the king is due to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the first English monarch since Henry VIII 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 marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Has Been the Response?
Although he stated his sister had been “justified” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “true justice” to be done.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He should be divested of all titles and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
