Why Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Official Titles – and What It Means for the Monarchy
Through a statement issued via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has confirmed he is relinquishing his official honors, including the Duke of York. Here is an overview of what has been revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Did Andrew Said?
Having already stepped down as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “take additional measures” and consent not to use the “honor or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the accusations of misconduct made against him; albeit having paid out a substantial sum to settle the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy over the claims against Andrew – especially since his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect his relatives from additional harm resulting from public speculation.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And, while this might be viewed as a mere formality, it is significant in multiple ways: first, it enables the prince to openly state to have acted honourably in defence of the crown. As stated in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my family and the nation first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, Andrew retains his ducal title, as well as the honors the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Similar to the His Royal Highness honorific, 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 king if he is overseas or unwell. Although royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he would not be asked to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement said the decision was made “following talks with the monarch”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the royal household advocated for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take legislative action, and would represent such a historic move in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it could cause more harm to the image for the royals.
The prince remains 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 enacted by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure could end up being protracted, implying the goal of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be met.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an effective loss of standing he has resisted for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by his brother to persuade Andrew to relocate of the 30-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about the precise amount of money the prince has obtained as a result of his status, he remains a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to raise £15m from the sale of a home that had been a gift from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless list of scandals related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in a message sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were reports about his association with an alleged Chinese spy and, recently, extracts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Moreover, the sovereign is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the initial British king since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that visit to be marred by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Was the Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He should be divested of all titles and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
