The Reasons Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Royal Honors – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a statement released by the royal household, Prince Andrew has confirmed he is giving up his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what was announced – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Said?
Having already stepped down as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he employed the announcement to emphatically rejecting – as he has always done – the allegations of misconduct made against him; albeit having paid out a substantial sum to resolve the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of improper conduct.
There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy regarding the claims against Andrew – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect his relatives from further damage caused by public speculation.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Titles?
No. And, while this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it holds importance in multiple ways: initially, it enables the prince to openly state to have behaved with integrity in support of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my family and country first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, the prince keeps his ducal title, as well as the honors the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the prestigious Garter role as a member of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style title, they are effectively inactive.
He remains a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be abroad or ill. Although the palace has indicated that, in practice, he would not be asked to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement said this choice was made “following talks with the king”. It appears little doubt that, privately, the royal household pushed for the move in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a ducal title would take legislative action, and would constitute such a historic move publicly before the nation – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it could result in further harm to the image for the royals.
The prince remains a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This would only be altered if a royal decree was enacted by the king.
The entire procedure might ultimately being protracted, meaning the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, despite rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade Andrew to relocate of the thirty-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained due to his position, he continues to be a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he was able to raise £15m from the sale of a home that had been a gift from his mother, as an instance.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless list of scandals involving Andrew has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
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 a message dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
There have also been stories about his association with an alleged intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the sovereign is due to make a historic visit to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the initial British king since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that visit to be marred by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Was the Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “true justice” to be done.
The republican campaign group Republic has also said the action is “too little, too late”, noting: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He should be stripped of all titles and his military position and should undergo a criminal investigation. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
