Why Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a statement issued via the royal household, the king's brother has declared he is relinquishing his official honors, such as the Duke of York. Here are the details of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Announced?
After previously stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has currently decided to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been granted to” him.
But he also used the statement to emphatically denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of misconduct leveled at him; albeit after settling a substantial sum to settle the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the allegations against Andrew – particularly after his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect his relatives from additional harm caused by media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it holds importance in multiple ways: initially, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have acted honourably in defence 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.”
Second, while he has agreed not to use it, the prince keeps the dukedom, as well as the honors the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Like the HRH royal style title, they are effectively inactive.
He remains royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the king should he be abroad or unwell. Although the palace has indicated that, realistically, he would not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement said this choice was made “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would require an act of parliament, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a senior 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 became such as the son of a monarch. This could only be altered if a letters patent was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure might ultimately being protracted, meaning the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has resisted for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by the king to encourage Andrew to move out of the 30-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been shed on exactly how much funds Andrew has received as a result of his status, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m by selling a property that had been a wedding present from the queen, for example.
Why Now?
The continual list of scandals related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months after he claimed to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were stories about his association with a suspected Chinese spy and, recently, excerpts appeared from the book released after death 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 due to make a historic visit to see the pontiff soon, 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 will not have wanted that visit to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Has Been the Reaction?
While he said Giuffre had been “justified” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be done.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “Andrew remains accused of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be divested of all titles and his navy rank and should undergo a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
