Why Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Royal Honors – and What It Means for the Monarchy
In a statement released via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has confirmed that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Below is an overview of what has been revealed – and what wasn't.
What Has Andrew Said?
Having already stepped down as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has currently chosen to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “title or the honours which have been granted to” him.
However, he employed the announcement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of misconduct leveled at him; even though having paid out a substantial sum to resolve the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct.
There has existed persistent pressure toward the royal institution over the claims against Andrew – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from additional harm resulting from media scrutiny.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Honors?
No. And, while this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to openly state to have acted honourably in support of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first.”
Additionally, although he consented not to use it, Andrew retains the dukedom, as well as the honors the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Like the HRH His Royal Highness title, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he is also still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the king should he be overseas or ill. Although the palace has made clear that, realistically, he would not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the royal household advocated for the move in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before the nation – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it could result in further harm to the image for the royals.
Andrew is also still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This would only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The whole process might ultimately being protracted, meaning the objective of quickly addressing the matter – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be met.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an substantial reduction of status he has resisted for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by his brother to encourage Andrew to relocate of the 30-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about exactly how much funds Andrew has received as a result of his status, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he managed to secure £15m by selling a home that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.
What Prompted This?
The continual series of controversies involving Andrew has become intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines after it emerged Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in an email dispatched months after he claimed to have ended communication.
There have also been stories about his association with an alleged Chinese spy and, recently, excerpts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed Andrew “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the king is due to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo next week, when he will become the initial British king since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that visit to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Has Been the Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed the Times that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be done.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual offences and misuse of position. He should be stripped of all titles and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
