Why Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what was revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Did the Prince Said?
Having already stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has currently chosen to “go a step further” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been granted to” him.
However, he employed the announcement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; even though having paid out a substantial sum to resolve the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied any claims of improper conduct.
There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy over the allegations involving the prince – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to protect the royal family from additional harm caused by media scrutiny.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Titles?
No. And although this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it is significant in multiple ways: first, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have acted honourably in defence of the crown. As stated in his announcement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Additionally, although he consented not to use it, the prince keeps his ducal title, along with the honors the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the prestigious Garter role as a member of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH His Royal Highness 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 may deputize for the king if he is overseas or unwell. Although the palace has indicated that, in practice, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement said this choice was made “following talks with the king”. It appears highly likely that, behind the scenes, 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 revoke a dukedom would take an act of parliament, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before the public – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it could result in further harm to the image for the monarchy.
Andrew is also still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically as the child of the sovereign. This could only be altered if a royal decree was enacted by the king.
The entire procedure could end up being protracted, meaning the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has fought against for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding reported efforts by the king to encourage Andrew to move out of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been shed on the precise amount of funds Andrew has received due to his status, he remains a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m from the sale of a home that had been a gift from the queen, as an instance.
Why Now?
The continual list of scandals related to the prince has proved intolerable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines after it emerged Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in a message sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
There have also been stories about his connections with a suspected Chinese spy and, this week, excerpts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged Andrew “believed that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the king is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the initial British king after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “true justice” to be done.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has also said the action is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual offences and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of all titles and his military position and should face a criminal investigation. Not using archaic honors is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
