Why Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family
In a announcement issued by the royal household, Prince Andrew has confirmed he is giving up his royal titles, including his dukedom. Here are the details of what was revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Did the Prince Said?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now decided to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “honor or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also used the statement to emphatically rejecting – as he has always done – the accusations of sexual impropriety made against him; even though after settling a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy over the allegations against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect the royal family from additional harm resulting from public speculation.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it allows Andrew to openly state to have behaved with integrity in support of the crown. As he said in his announcement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and the nation first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, as well as the honors his earldom and his barony and the prestigious position as a member of the prestigious order. Like the HRH royal style title, they are effectively inactive.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the king should he be overseas or ill. However the palace has indicated that, realistically, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement indicated the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears highly likely that, behind the scenes, the royal household pushed for this in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take an act of parliament, and would represent such a historic move in full view of the nation – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely result in further harm to the image for the monarchy.
The prince remains a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he became such as the child of the sovereign. This would only be altered if a royal decree was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The whole process could end up being protracted, implying the objective of quickly addressing the matter – particularly for the monarchy's interests – may not be achieved.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has fought against for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, despite 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 shed on exactly how much money Andrew has received due to his status, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he was able to raise £15m by selling a home that had been a wedding present from the queen, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless list of scandals involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His association 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 a message dispatched months after he claimed to have ended communication.
There have also been reports about his connections with a suspected Chinese spy and, recently, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “thought that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo next week, during which he will be the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Response?
While he said his sister had been “vindicated” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the move is “too little, too late”, adding: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual offences and misuse of position. He ought to be divested of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
