Why Prince Andrew Has Surrendered His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a announcement issued via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has declared he is relinquishing his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Below are the details of what was announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Has Andrew Said?
Having already stepped down as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has currently decided to “go a step further” and consent not to use 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 allegations of misconduct made against him; albeit after settling millions to resolve the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims 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 presently states he is acting to safeguard the royal family from additional harm caused by public speculation.
Has the King Removed Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in multiple ways: first, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have decided, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.”
Second, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, Andrew retains his ducal title, as well as the titles his earldom and his barony and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Like the HRH royal style title, they essentially become dormant.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he is also still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign if he is overseas or ill. However the palace has indicated that, in practice, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement indicated this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the royal household pushed for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would require an act of parliament, and would represent such a historic move publicly before the public – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely cause more reputational damage for the royals.
The prince remains still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he became such as the son of a monarch. This could only be changed if a royal decree was enacted by the king.
The entire procedure might ultimately being drawn-out, meaning the goal of swiftly resolving the matter – particularly for the monarchy's interests – may not be achieved.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by the king to persuade Andrew to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained due to his position, he continues to be a person of means. In 2007, he was able to secure £15m from the sale of a home that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The continual list of scandals related to the prince has become intolerable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny after it emerged Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in a message dispatched months after he claimed to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were stories about his association with a suspected intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged Andrew “thought that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is due to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo next week, 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 would not desire that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Has Been the Response?
While he said his sister had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He should be stripped of all titles and his military position and should face a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
