Why Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Royal Honors – and What It Means for the Monarchy
Through a statement issued by the royal household, Prince Andrew has confirmed that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Here are the details of what was announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Has Andrew Announced?
After previously stepped down as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has currently decided to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also used the statement to emphatically denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; albeit after settling millions to settle the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected all allegations of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the allegations against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from additional harm caused by public speculation.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to openly state to have acted honourably in defence of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and the nation first.”
Additionally, although he consented not to use it, Andrew retains the dukedom, along with the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Similar to the His Royal Highness honorific, they are effectively inactive.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he is also still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the king if he is abroad or unwell. However the palace has indicated that, realistically, he will not be asked to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement indicated the decision was made “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the royal household advocated for this in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a dukedom would take an act of parliament, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more reputational damage for the monarchy.
The prince remains a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he became as the child of the sovereign. This would only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the reigning monarch.
The whole process might ultimately being protracted, meaning the objective of quickly addressing the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has fought against for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by the king to persuade Andrew to move out of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been shed on the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained due to his position, he remains a wealthy individual. In 2007, he managed to raise £15m from the sale of a home that had been a gift from the queen, as an instance.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless list of scandals involving Andrew has become intolerable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in a message dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were reports about his connections with a suspected intelligence operative and, this week, excerpts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “believed that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is due to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo soon, 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 visit to be marred by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Has Been the Response?
While he said his sister had been “justified” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “true justice” to be done.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the move is “too little, too late”, adding: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual offences and abuse of office. He ought to be stripped of all titles and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
