The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be giving up his official honors, including the Duke of York. Here is an overview of what has been announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Has the Prince Said?
After previously stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has currently decided to “go a step further” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him.
But he also employed the announcement to make a point of rejecting – as he has always done – the accusations of sexual impropriety made against him; albeit after settling a substantial sum to resolve the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied any claims of improper conduct.
There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy regarding the allegations against Andrew – especially since his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to safeguard his relatives from additional harm resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in multiple ways: first, it allows Andrew to openly state to have behaved with integrity in support of the crown. As stated 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, as well as the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Like the HRH royal style title, they essentially become dormant.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the sovereign should he be overseas or unwell. Although royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he would not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “following talks with the king”. There seems little doubt that, privately, the palace pushed for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would take an act of parliament, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before the public – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely cause more reputational damage for the royals.
The prince remains still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This could only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure might ultimately being drawn-out, implying the goal of swiftly resolving the matter – particularly for the monarchy's interests – may not be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Embarrassment, likely above all. 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 their Windsor residence, notwithstanding reported efforts by the king to encourage Andrew to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about exactly how much funds the prince has obtained due to his position, he remains a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m by selling a home that had been a gift from the queen, as an instance.
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 association with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in a message sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
There have also been stories about his association with an alleged Chinese spy and, this week, extracts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged the prince “believed that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Moreover, the king is due to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff soon, during which he will be the initial British king after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that trip to be marred by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed 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 stripped of all titles and his military position and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”