Why Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Royal Honors – and What It Means for the Royal Family
In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, including his dukedom. Below is an overview of what has been revealed – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Announced?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now decided to “go a step further” and agree to refrain from using the “title or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he employed the announcement to emphatically denying – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of misconduct made against him; albeit after settling a substantial sum to settle the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the claims involving the prince – particularly after his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect the royal family from further damage resulting from public speculation.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Titles?
No. And, while this might be viewed as a mere formality, it holds importance in two respects: first, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in defence of the crown. As stated in his announcement: “I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my relatives and country first.”
Second, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, along with the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style title, they are effectively dormant.
He remains 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 sovereign should he be abroad or unwell. Although the palace has made clear that, realistically, he would not be asked to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement indicated the decision was made “following talks with the king”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the royal household pushed for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a ducal title would take an act of parliament, and would represent an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely result in further harm to the image for the royals.
The prince remains still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he became as the child of the sovereign. This could only be changed if a royal decree was issued by the reigning monarch.
The whole process could end up being drawn-out, implying the goal of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be achieved.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Humiliation, likely above all. The announcement represents an substantial reduction of status he has fought against for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade his brother to move out 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 as a result of his status, he continues to be a wealthy individual. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m by selling a property that had been a wedding present from the queen, for example.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless series of controversies involving Andrew has proved unacceptable for the king and other senior royals.
His association with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines following revelations Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in an email sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
There have also been reports about his association with an alleged intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Moreover, the sovereign is scheduled 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 pope and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that visit to be marred by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Has Been the Response?
While he said his sister had been “justified” by the move, 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 also said the action is “too little, too late”, noting: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be divested of every honor and his military position and should face a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
