Why Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Royal Honors – and the Implications for the Royal Family
In a statement issued by the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what was revealed – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Said?
Having already stepped down as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now decided to “go a step further” and consent not to use the “honor or the awards which have been granted to” him.
However, he used the statement to emphatically denying – as he has always done – the allegations of misconduct made against him; albeit having paid out millions to resolve the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of wrongdoing.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution regarding the allegations against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect the royal family from additional harm caused by public speculation.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Titles?
No. And although this might be viewed as a mere formality, it holds importance in multiple ways: first, it allows Andrew to openly state to have acted honourably in defence of the crown. As he said in his announcement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Additionally, although he consented not to use it, the prince keeps his ducal title, along with the honors the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style title, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign if he is abroad or ill. However royal officials has made clear that, in practice, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement said this choice was made “in discussion with the monarch”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the palace advocated for the move in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take an act of parliament, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before the public – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it could result in further harm to the image for the royals.
The prince remains still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he became as the child of the sovereign. This would only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the reigning monarch.
The whole process might ultimately being drawn-out, implying the goal of swiftly resolving the matter – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Humiliation, likely above all. The statement represents an effective loss of status he has resisted for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, despite rumoured attempts by the king to persuade his brother to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been shed on the precise amount of money Andrew has received as a result of his status, he continues to be a person of means. In 2007, he was able to secure ÂŁ15m by selling a property that had been a wedding present from his mother, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The continual series of controversies related to the prince has become unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines after it emerged Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with a suspected intelligence operative and, this week, excerpts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the sovereign is due to make a historic visit 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 pray publicly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that visit to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
While he said Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be done.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has also said the action is “too little, too late”, noting: “Andrew remains accused of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should face a legal probe. Not using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
