Why Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Official Honors – and What It Means for the Monarchy
Through a statement released by the royal household, Prince Andrew has declared that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, including his dukedom. Here is an overview of what was announced – and what wasn't.
What Did the Prince Said?
Having already stepped down as a working royal in 2019, the prince has currently chosen to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also employed the announcement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; albeit after settling millions to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy regarding the claims against Andrew – particularly after his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard the royal family from further damage caused by media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the monarchy. As stated in his announcement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and the nation first.”
Second, although he consented not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, as well as the titles his earldom and his barony and the prestigious Garter role as a member of the prestigious order. Similar to the His Royal Highness honorific, they essentially become inactive.
He remains a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he is also still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the sovereign should he be overseas or ill. Although the palace has indicated that, realistically, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement indicated the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. There seems highly likely that, privately, the royal household pushed for this in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a dukedom would take an act of parliament, and would represent 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 harm to the image for the royals.
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 enacted by the reigning monarch.
The whole process might ultimately being drawn-out, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to encourage his brother to relocate of the thirty-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on exactly how much money Andrew has received as a result of his status, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from his mother, as an instance.
Why Now?
The continual series of controversies related to the prince has proved intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his association with a suspected intelligence operative and, this week, extracts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “believed that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Moreover, the king is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo soon, during which he will be the initial British king after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that trip to be marred by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Has Been the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “justified” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that the prince's style should be revoked for “genuine accountability” 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 offences and abuse of office. He ought to be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Not using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”