The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Royal Honors – and What It Means for the Royal Family
In a announcement released via the royal household, Prince Andrew has confirmed he is relinquishing his official honors, such as his dukedom. Here are the details of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Did the Prince Said?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now decided to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “honor or the honours which have been granted to” him.
However, he employed the announcement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; even though after settling a substantial sum to resolve the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected all allegations of improper conduct.
There has existed persistent pressure on the monarchy over the claims against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard his relatives from further damage resulting from public speculation.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles?
No. And, while this might be viewed as a mere formality, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the monarchy. As he said in his statement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and the nation first.”
Additionally, although he consented to abstain from using it, the prince keeps the dukedom, along with the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the His Royal Highness title, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be abroad or ill. However the palace has made clear that, realistically, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement indicated the decision was made “following talks with the king”. There seems highly likely that, privately, the royal household advocated for this in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would require legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it could result in further reputational damage for the monarchy.
Andrew is also still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This could only be altered if a letters patent was issued by the king.
The entire procedure could end up being drawn-out, implying the goal of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be met.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an effective loss of standing he has resisted for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by the king to persuade his brother to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about exactly how much funds the prince has obtained due to his status, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he managed to raise £15m from the sale of a property that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless series of controversies related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the king and other senior royals.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in an email dispatched months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
There have also been reports about his association with a suspected Chinese spy and, recently, extracts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged Andrew “thought that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the first English monarch since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Was the Response?
Although he stated his sister had been “vindicated” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be done.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has additionally stated the action is “too little, too late”, adding: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be stripped of all titles and his military position and should undergo a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
