Why Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Royal Titles – and What It Means for the Royal Family
Through a statement released by Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has declared that he will be giving up his official honors, including his dukedom. Here is an overview of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Said?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has currently decided to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he used the statement to emphatically denying – as he has always done – the accusations of misconduct made against him; even though having paid out millions to settle the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected all allegations of improper conduct.
There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy over the claims involving the prince – particularly after his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to protect the royal family from additional harm resulting from media scrutiny.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Titles?
No. And, while this might be viewed as a mere formality, it holds importance in two respects: initially, it enables the prince to openly state 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 relatives and the nation first.”
Additionally, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains the dukedom, along with the titles the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the esteemed Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Like the HRH His Royal Highness honorific, they are effectively inactive.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the king should he be abroad or unwell. Although the palace has indicated that, realistically, he will not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement indicated this choice was made “in discussion with the monarch”. It appears highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would take an act of parliament, and would represent an unprecedented step publicly before the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more reputational damage for the royals.
The prince remains still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This would only be altered if a royal decree was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The whole process could end up being drawn-out, meaning the goal of quickly addressing the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be achieved.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has resisted for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade Andrew to move out of the 30-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been shed on the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained as a result of his status, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he managed to raise £15m from the sale of a home that had been a gift from the queen, for example.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless series of controversies related to the prince has become unacceptable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His association with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were reports about his association with an alleged Chinese spy and, this week, extracts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged Andrew “thought that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the king is due to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo next week, when he will become the initial British king after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that visit to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Has Been the Response?
Although he stated his sister had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be done.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He should be divested of all titles and his military position and should face a criminal investigation. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
