Why Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Royal Titles – and What It Means for the Monarchy
Through a statement released by Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has confirmed that he will be giving up his official honors, including his dukedom. Below are the details of what has been revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Did Andrew Said?
Having already stepped down as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now decided to “go a step further” and consent to refrain from using the “honor or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he used the statement to emphatically rejecting – as he has always done – the accusations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; even though having paid out millions to resolve the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected all allegations of improper conduct.
There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy regarding the claims against Andrew – especially since his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect his relatives from further damage caused by media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Honors?
No. And although this might be viewed as a mere formality, it holds importance in two respects: first, it allows Andrew to openly state to have acted honourably in defence of the monarchy. As stated in his announcement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my family and the nation first.”
Additionally, although he consented not to use it, Andrew retains the dukedom, along with the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as a member of the prestigious order. Similar to the His Royal Highness honorific, they essentially become 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 if he is overseas or ill. However the palace has indicated that, in practice, he would not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement indicated this choice was made “in discussion with the monarch”. It appears little doubt that, privately, the royal household advocated for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take an act of parliament, and would represent such a historic move in full view of the nation – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more harm to the image for the monarchy.
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 entire procedure could end up being drawn-out, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The statement represents an substantial reduction of status he has resisted for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to persuade Andrew to move out of the 30-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been shed on the precise amount of money Andrew has received due to his status, he remains a person of means. Back in 2007, he managed to secure £15m from the sale of a home that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless list of scandals involving Andrew has become unacceptable for the king and other senior royals.
His association with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in an email sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his association with a suspected Chinese spy and, recently, excerpts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged the prince “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Moreover, the king is due to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the initial British king after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that visit to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Has Been the Reaction?
While he said Giuffre had been “justified” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He ought to be divested of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a criminal investigation. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
