The Reasons Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Royal Honors – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a announcement issued by Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has confirmed he is relinquishing his official honors, including his dukedom. Below are the details of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Said?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now decided to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him.
However, he used the statement to emphatically denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of misconduct made against him; even though having paid out a substantial sum to resolve the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct.
There has existed persistent pressure on the monarchy regarding the allegations against Andrew – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from additional harm caused by media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Titles?
No. And, while this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it holds importance in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As he said in his statement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.”
Second, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains his ducal title, along with the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style title, they are effectively dormant.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the king if he is overseas or ill. Although royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he will not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the palace advocated for this in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would require an act of parliament, and would represent an unprecedented step publicly before the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the royals.
Andrew is also still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he became as the child of the sovereign. This would only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The whole process could end up being protracted, meaning the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be met.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Humiliation, likely above all. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has fought against for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by the king to encourage Andrew to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been revealed about exactly how much money the prince has obtained as a result of his status, he remains a wealthy individual. In 2007, he was able to raise £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from the queen, as an instance.
Why Now?
The continual list of scandals involving Andrew has become unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in a message dispatched months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were reports about his association with a suspected intelligence operative and, this week, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed Andrew “thought that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo soon, during which he will be the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be marred by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Has Been the Reaction?
Although he stated his sister had been “vindicated” 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 campaign group Republic has additionally stated the move is “too little, too late”, noting: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He ought to be divested of every honor and his military position and should undergo a criminal investigation. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
