Why Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Royal Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a statement issued via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has confirmed he is relinquishing his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what has been revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Has the Prince Announced?
After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “title or the honours which have been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.
However, he employed the announcement to emphatically rejecting – as he has always done – the allegations of sexual impropriety made against him; albeit having paid out millions to resolve the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied all allegations of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution regarding the claims involving the prince – especially since his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from further damage resulting from media scrutiny.
Has the King Removed Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it is significant in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to openly state to have acted honourably in defence of the crown. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first.”
Second, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, as well as the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH His Royal Highness title, they are effectively dormant.
He remains royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the king if he is overseas or ill. However royal officials has made clear that, realistically, he would not be asked to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement said this choice was made “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, privately, the royal household pushed for this in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would take legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not occurred 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 changed if a letters patent was enacted by the king.
The whole process might ultimately being protracted, meaning the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, likely above all. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, despite rumoured attempts by the king to persuade Andrew to move out of the 30-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about exactly how much funds the prince has obtained as a result of his status, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m from the sale of a property that had been a gift from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless list of scandals involving Andrew has become unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines following revelations that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in a message dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
There have also been stories about his connections with an alleged Chinese spy and, recently, excerpts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged the prince “believed that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the king is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that trip to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Was the Reaction?
While he said Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican campaign group Republic has also said the action is “too little, too late”, noting: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He ought to be divested of all titles and his navy rank and should face a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
