The Reasons Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Royal Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
Through a statement issued by the royal household, Prince Andrew has declared that he will be giving up his royal titles, including his dukedom. Below is an overview of what was announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Has the Prince Said?
Having already stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has now decided to “take additional measures” and consent not to use the “honor 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 accusations of sexual impropriety made against him; even though after settling a substantial sum to settle the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed persistent pressure toward the royal institution over the allegations against Andrew – especially since his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from further damage resulting from public speculation.
Has the King Removed Him of His Honors?
No. And although this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in multiple ways: initially, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As stated in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my family and the nation first.”
Second, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, along with the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Like the HRH royal style honorific, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he is also still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be overseas or ill. Although the palace has made clear that, realistically, he would not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement said the decision was made “following talks with the king”. It appears little doubt that, privately, the royal household advocated for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a dukedom would require an act of parliament, and would represent such a historic move in full view of the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it would likely cause more reputational damage for the royals.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically as the child of the sovereign. This would only be changed if a letters patent was enacted by the king.
The whole process might ultimately being drawn-out, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an substantial reduction of standing he has resisted for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding reported efforts by the king to persuade his brother to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been shed on exactly how much funds Andrew has received due to his position, he remains a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m by selling a home that had been a gift from the queen, as an instance.
Why Now?
The continual list of scandals involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines after it emerged Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in a message dispatched months after he claimed to have ended communication.
There have also been stories about his connections with a suspected intelligence operative and, this week, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged Andrew “believed that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the king is scheduled to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, when he will become the initial British king after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that trip to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Was the Response?
Although he stated his sister had been “justified” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “true justice” to be done.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the action is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual offences and abuse of office. He ought to be divested of all titles and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
