Why Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Royal Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a statement released via the royal household, the king's brother has declared he is giving up his official honors, such as his dukedom. Below are the details of what was announced – and what wasn't.
What Has Andrew Said?
Having already stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “title or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also employed the announcement to emphatically denying – as he has always done – the accusations of misconduct made against him; albeit after settling a substantial sum to resolve the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied all allegations of improper conduct.
There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy regarding the claims involving the prince – especially since his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to protect his relatives from further damage resulting from public speculation.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles?
No. And, while this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in multiple ways: first, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in defence of the crown. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Additionally, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains the dukedom, along with the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as a member of the prestigious order. Like the HRH His Royal Highness honorific, they essentially become inactive.
He remains a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the sovereign if he is abroad or ill. Although royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he would not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, 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 advocated for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a ducal title would take legislative action, and would represent such a historic move in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it would likely cause more harm to the image for the royals.
The prince remains still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he became such as the child of the sovereign. This could only be altered if a letters patent was issued by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure could end up being protracted, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be met.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The announcement represents an substantial reduction of status he has resisted for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade Andrew to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been revealed about the precise amount of money Andrew has received as a result of his status, he remains a wealthy individual. 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 continual list of scandals related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines following revelations that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in a message sent three months after he claimed to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were reports about his association with a suspected Chinese spy and, recently, excerpts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “thought that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the king is due to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo 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 leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Has Been the Reaction?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “justified” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed the Times that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the action is “too little, too late”, noting: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual offences and misuse of position. He should be stripped of all titles and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Not using archaic honors is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”