Why Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and What It Means for the Royal Family
Through a announcement released by the royal household, Prince Andrew has confirmed that he will be giving up his official honors, including the Duke of York. Here is an overview of what has been revealed – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Said?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now decided to “go a step further” and consent to refrain from using the “honor or the awards which have been granted to” him.
But he also employed the announcement to emphatically denying – as he has always done – the accusations of sexual impropriety made against him; even though after settling millions to settle the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct.
There has existed persistent pressure toward the royal institution regarding the claims involving the prince – especially since his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard his relatives from further damage caused by public speculation.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Honors?
No. And, while this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: first, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in defence of the crown. As stated in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my family and country first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, the prince keeps the dukedom, along with the honors the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the esteemed position as a member of the prestigious order. Similar to the His Royal Highness title, they essentially become inactive.
He remains 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 should he be abroad or unwell. Although royal officials has made clear that, realistically, he will not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “following talks with the king”. There seems little doubt that, privately, the royal household advocated for this in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a ducal title would take an act of parliament, and would constitute such a historic move publicly before the nation – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more reputational damage for the royals.
The prince remains a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he became as the child of the sovereign. This could only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The whole process might ultimately being protracted, implying the objective of quickly addressing the matter – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – may not be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, likely above all. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has resisted for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by the king to persuade Andrew to relocate of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been revealed about exactly how much funds Andrew has received as a result of his position, he continues to be a wealthy individual. In 2007, he was able to raise £15m by selling a property that had been a wedding present from the queen, for example.
Why Now?
The continual series of controversies related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His friendship with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines following revelations that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in an email sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were reports about his association with a suspected Chinese spy and, this week, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged the prince “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the king is due to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo next week, during which he will be the initial British king since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Was the Reaction?
Although he stated his sister had been “vindicated” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual misconduct 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.”
