Why Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Monarchy
Through a statement released by the royal household, Prince Andrew has confirmed he is relinquishing his official honors, including his dukedom. Below is an overview of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Announced?
After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “title or the honours which have been granted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 emphatically rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of sexual impropriety made against him; albeit after settling millions to resolve the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of improper conduct.
There has existed persistent pressure on the monarchy over the allegations involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to protect the royal family from additional harm resulting from public speculation.
Has the King Removed Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in two respects: first, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in defence of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my relatives and the nation first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, the prince keeps his ducal title, along with the honors the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the esteemed position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style title, they are effectively inactive.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the sovereign should he be overseas or unwell. Although royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he would not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement said this choice was made “in discussion with the king”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the royal household advocated for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take legislative action, and would constitute such a historic move publicly before the nation – it has not occurred to a senior 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 such as the son of a monarch. This could only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The entire procedure could end up being drawn-out, implying the objective of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an substantial reduction of standing he has resisted for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by the king to encourage Andrew to move out of the 30-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been shed on exactly how much money the prince has obtained as a result of 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 gift from his mother, as an instance.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless list of scandals related to the prince has become unacceptable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines following revelations Andrew had told 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 a suspected Chinese spy and, this week, excerpts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged the prince “thought that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the sovereign is due to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that trip to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
While he said Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be done.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the action 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 military position and should undergo a criminal investigation. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
