Why Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
Through a announcement released by Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has declared he is relinquishing his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Here is an overview of what was announced – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Said?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “title or the honours which have been granted to” him.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 make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of misconduct leveled at him; even though after settling a substantial sum to resolve the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has existed persistent pressure on the monarchy regarding the claims involving the prince – especially since his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to safeguard his relatives from additional harm resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles?
No. And although this might be viewed as a mere formality, it holds importance in two respects: first, it allows Andrew to openly state to have behaved with integrity in defence of the monarchy. As stated in his announcement: “I have decided, as I always have, 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, along with the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as a member of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style title, they are effectively dormant.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the king should he be abroad or unwell. Although royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he would not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement said this choice was made “in discussion with the monarch”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the palace pushed for the move in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would require an act of parliament, and would represent an unprecedented step in full view of the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more harm to the image for the monarchy.
The prince remains a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he became as the son of a monarch. This could only be changed if a letters patent was enacted by the king.
The entire procedure might ultimately being protracted, implying the objective of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an effective loss of status he has resisted for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade Andrew to move out of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been revealed about exactly how much money the prince has obtained as a result of his status, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he was able to secure £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from his mother, for example.
What Prompted This?
The continual list of scandals involving Andrew has proved unacceptable for the king and other senior royals.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in an email dispatched months after he claimed to have ended communication.
There have also been reports about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, this week, extracts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged the prince “believed that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, when he will become the initial British king since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that trip to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Has Been the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “vindicated” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be done.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He ought to be divested of every honor and his military position and should face a legal probe. Not using archaic honors is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”