The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Surrendered His Official Titles – and What It Means for the Monarchy
In a announcement issued via the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed he is relinquishing his official honors, including his dukedom. Below is an overview of what has been revealed – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Said?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has currently chosen to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him.
But he also employed the announcement to emphatically rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of sexual impropriety made against him; albeit having paid out millions to resolve the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied any claims of wrongdoing.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the claims against Andrew – particularly after his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to protect the royal family from further damage caused by public speculation.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: first, it enables the prince to openly state to have acted honourably in support of the monarchy. As he said in his statement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my family and the nation first.”
Additionally, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains the dukedom, along with the honors the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious Garter role as a member of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style title, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the sovereign if he is abroad or unwell. Although royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement said the decision was made “following talks with the monarch”. It appears little doubt that, behind the scenes, the royal household pushed for the move in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would take an act of parliament, and would represent an unprecedented step in full view of the public – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more reputational damage for the monarchy.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he became as the child of the sovereign. This would only be altered if a royal decree was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The whole process could end up being protracted, meaning the goal of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The announcement signifies an effective loss of status he has fought against for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, despite rumoured attempts by the king to encourage his brother to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been revealed about exactly how much funds the prince has obtained due to his status, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m from the sale of a property that had been a gift from the queen, for example.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless list of scandals related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny after it emerged Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in a message sent three months after he claimed to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were stories about his association with an alleged Chinese spy and, recently, extracts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed the prince “believed that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the king is due to make a historic visit to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that visit to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “vindicated” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has also said the action is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He should be divested of all titles and his military position and should face a criminal investigation. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
