The Reasons Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a statement released by the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be relinquishing his official honors, such as 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 “go a step further” and consent not to use the “title or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also employed the announcement to make a point of rejecting – as he has always done – the allegations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; albeit having paid out a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy over the allegations involving the prince – especially since his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect the royal family from additional harm resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And although this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it is significant in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to openly state to have behaved with integrity in support of the monarchy. As stated in his announcement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and the nation first.”
Second, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, the prince keeps the dukedom, as well as the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Like the HRH royal style title, they essentially become dormant.
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 may deputize for the king if he is abroad or unwell. Although the palace has indicated that, in practice, he would not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement said this choice was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears little doubt that, behind the scenes, the palace advocated for this in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a ducal title would require legislative action, and would represent 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 cause more reputational damage for the royals.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This would only be changed if a letters patent was issued by the king.
The entire procedure might ultimately being drawn-out, meaning the goal of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an substantial reduction of status he has resisted for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to persuade Andrew to move out of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been shed on exactly how much money Andrew has received as a result of his position, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he was able to secure £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from the queen, for example.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless list of scandals involving Andrew has become unacceptable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His association with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny after it emerged Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in a message dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were stories about his association with a suspected intelligence operative and, this week, extracts were published 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 king is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff next week, when he will become the first English monarch since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that trip to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Has Been the Reaction?
Although he stated 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 anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has also said the action is “too little, too late”, noting: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He ought to be divested of every honor and his military position and should face a legal probe. Not using archaic honors is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
