The Reasons Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Official Honors – and What It Means for the Monarchy
In a announcement released via the royal household, the king's brother has declared he is giving up his royal titles, including his dukedom. Here is an overview of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Said?
After previously stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “honor or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also employed the announcement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; even though after settling a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed persistent pressure toward the royal institution regarding the claims against Andrew – especially since his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard his relatives from additional harm resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch 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 openly state to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As stated in his announcement: “I have decided, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and the nation first.”
Second, while he has agreed not to use it, the prince keeps his ducal title, as well as the honors his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the His Royal Highness title, they are effectively inactive.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the king if he is abroad or unwell. However royal officials has made clear that, in practice, he would not be asked to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement indicated the decision was made “following talks with the king”. There seems little doubt that, privately, the royal household pushed for this in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would take legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before the nation – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the monarchy.
The prince remains a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the child of the sovereign. This would only be altered if a letters patent was issued by the king.
The whole process might ultimately being protracted, meaning the objective of quickly addressing the matter – particularly for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The announcement represents an effective loss of status he has resisted for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, despite rumoured attempts by his brother to encourage his brother 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 due to his status, he remains a person of means. Back in 2007, he managed to raise £15m from the sale of a home that had been a gift from the queen, for example.
What Prompted This?
The continual list of scandals related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the king and other senior royals.
His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny after it emerged Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
There have also been stories about his association 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 alleged Andrew “thought that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Moreover, the sovereign is due to make a historic visit to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the initial British king since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that visit to be marred by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Has Been the Response?
While he said his sister had been “vindicated” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that the prince's style should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the action is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual offences and abuse of office. He ought to be stripped of every honor and his military position and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
