Why Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Royal Honors – and What It Means for the Monarchy
In a statement issued by Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has confirmed he is giving up his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Here is an overview of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Did the Prince Said?
Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has currently chosen to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “title or the honours which have been granted to” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of rejecting – as he has always done – the allegations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; even though having paid out a substantial sum to settle the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the allegations involving the prince – particularly after his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to safeguard his relatives from further damage caused by public speculation.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Titles?
No. And although this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it is significant in multiple ways: first, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in support of the monarchy. As he said in his statement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Additionally, although he consented not to use it, the prince keeps the dukedom, as well as the titles the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the prestigious position as a member of the prestigious order. Similar to the His Royal Highness honorific, they essentially become inactive.
He remains a prince and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the sovereign if he is overseas or unwell. However royal officials has made clear that, realistically, he would not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement indicated this choice was made “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems highly likely that, behind the scenes, the royal household pushed for the move in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would require legislative action, and would constitute such a historic move in full view of the public – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it could cause more harm to the image for the monarchy.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This could only be altered if a letters patent was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The whole process could end up being drawn-out, implying the goal of quickly addressing the matter – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an substantial reduction of status he has fought against for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, despite rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade Andrew to relocate of the 30-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been revealed about the precise amount of funds Andrew has received due to his position, he continues to be a person of means. In 2007, he was able to raise £15m by selling a home that had been a wedding present from his mother, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The continual list of scandals involving Andrew has become intolerable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in an email sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were reports about his connections with a suspected intelligence operative and, this week, extracts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged Andrew “believed that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Moreover, the king is scheduled to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo soon, during which he will be the first English monarch since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that trip to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Has Been the Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He should be divested of every honor and his military position and should face a criminal investigation. Not using archaic honors is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
