Why Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Official Honors – and What It Means for the Monarchy
Through a announcement released via the royal household, Prince Andrew has confirmed that he will be giving up his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what has been revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Has Andrew Said?
Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has currently chosen to “take additional measures” and consent not to use the “honor or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of misconduct made against him; albeit having paid out 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 wrongdoing.
There has been ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy over the claims involving the prince – especially since 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 media scrutiny.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in multiple ways: first, it enables the prince to openly state to have behaved with integrity in defence of the crown. As stated in his announcement: “I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my relatives and country first.”
Second, although he consented to abstain from using it, the prince keeps the dukedom, as well as the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style honorific, they essentially become inactive.
He remains royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the king should he be overseas or unwell. However royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he would not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement indicated the decision was made “following talks with the king”. It appears little doubt that, privately, the royal household pushed for this in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a dukedom would require 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 more than 100 years – that it could result in further harm to the image for the royals.
Andrew is also still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This could only be changed if a letters patent was enacted by the king.
The entire procedure could end up being drawn-out, meaning the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – may not be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, likely above all. The announcement represents an substantial reduction of status he has fought against for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by his brother to encourage Andrew to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
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 secure £15m by selling a home that had been a gift from the queen, for example.
Why Now?
The continual series of controversies involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the king and other senior royals.
His friendship with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines following revelations Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in an email sent three months after he claimed to have ended communication.
There have also been stories about his connections with a suspected 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 “thought that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is due to make a historic visit to see the pontiff next week, when he will become the initial British king since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Was the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “vindicated” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual offences and misuse of position. He should be stripped of all titles and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
