Why Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Official Titles – and What It Means for the Monarchy
In a announcement released by the royal household, the king's brother has declared he is giving up his official honors, such as his dukedom. Here is an overview of what was revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Did Andrew Announced?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now decided to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been granted to” him.
However, he employed the announcement to emphatically denying – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of misconduct made against him; albeit having paid out millions to resolve the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy regarding the allegations against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard the royal family from further damage resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And although this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it is significant in two respects: first, it allows Andrew to openly state to have behaved with integrity in defence of the monarchy. As he said in his announcement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my relatives and the nation first.”
Second, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains the dukedom, as well as the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style title, they essentially become inactive.
He remains a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the sovereign if he is overseas or ill. Although royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he will not be asked to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement said the decision was made “following talks with the monarch”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the palace advocated for this in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He 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 high-ranking royal in over a century – that it could result in further reputational damage for the royals.
The prince remains a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he became such as the child of the sovereign. This could only be changed if a letters patent was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The whole process might ultimately being protracted, implying the objective of quickly addressing the issue – particularly for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by his brother to encourage his brother to move out of the thirty-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been revealed about the precise amount of money the prince has obtained due to his status, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to raise £15m by selling a property that had been a wedding present from the queen, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless list of scandals related to the prince has proved intolerable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His friendship with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months after he claimed to have ended communication.
There have also been stories about his association with a suspected Chinese spy and, this week, extracts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed the prince “believed that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the first English monarch since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that trip to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Has Been the Response?
Although he stated his sister 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 “genuine accountability” to be done.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has also said the action is “too little, too late”, adding: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He should be divested of every honor and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
