Why Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Royal Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
Through a statement issued by the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed he is giving up his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Here is an overview of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Did the Prince Announced?
Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has currently decided to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “title or the honours which have been conferred upon” 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; albeit having paid out millions to settle the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy over the allegations involving the prince – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard the royal family from further damage resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Titles?
No. And, while this might be viewed as a mere formality, it holds importance in two respects: first, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in support of the monarchy. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my relatives and the nation first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, the prince keeps the dukedom, along with the honors the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious Garter role as a member of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the His Royal Highness title, they essentially become inactive.
He remains royalty 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. However the palace has made clear that, in practice, he would not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement indicated this choice was made “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the royal household pushed for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a ducal title would take an act of parliament, and would constitute such a historic move publicly before the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely cause more reputational damage for the royals.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he became such as the son of a monarch. This could only be altered if a letters patent was issued by the reigning monarch.
The whole process might ultimately being protracted, meaning the objective of quickly addressing the matter – particularly for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has fought against for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by the king to encourage Andrew to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been shed on the precise amount of money the prince has obtained due to his position, he remains a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he was able to raise £15m from the sale of a home that had been a wedding present from his mother, as an instance.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless series of controversies related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His friendship with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were reports about his association with a suspected intelligence operative and, recently, extracts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged Andrew “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Moreover, the sovereign is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo soon, during which he will be the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
While he said Giuffre had been “justified” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “true justice” to be done.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He ought to be divested of all titles and his military position and should face a legal probe. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
