The Reasons Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Monarchy
Through a statement released via the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed he is giving up his official honors, such as his dukedom. Below are the details of what has been revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Has Andrew Said?
After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has currently decided to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “title or the awards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 accusations of misconduct leveled at him; albeit having paid out millions to resolve the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed persistent pressure on the monarchy regarding the allegations involving the prince – particularly after his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to protect the royal family from additional harm caused by public speculation.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
No. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in support of the crown. As stated in his announcement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my relatives and country first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, Andrew retains his ducal title, along with the honors the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the prestigious Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Like the HRH His Royal Highness title, they essentially become dormant.
He remains a prince and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be overseas or unwell. However the palace has made clear that, in practice, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement said the decision was made “following talks with the monarch”. It appears highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace advocated for this in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would require legislative action, and would constitute such a historic move in full view of the nation – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it would likely cause more harm to the image for the royals.
The prince remains still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he became as the son of a monarch. This would only be altered if a royal decree was enacted by the king.
The whole process could end up being protracted, implying the objective of quickly addressing the issue – particularly for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be met.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has resisted for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to encourage 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 funds Andrew has received as a result of his position, he continues to be a person of means. In 2007, he managed to raise £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from the queen, as an instance.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless series of controversies involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny 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 reports about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, this week, extracts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed the prince “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Moreover, the sovereign is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that visit to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
Although he stated his sister had been “justified” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that the prince's style ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has additionally stated the action is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual offences and misuse of position. He should be stripped of every honor and his military position and should undergo a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
