Why Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Official Honors – and What It Means for the Monarchy
In a statement issued by the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed he is giving up his official honors, such as his dukedom. Here are the details of what was revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Did the Prince Said?
Having already stepped down as a working royal in 2019, the prince has currently chosen to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “honor or the honours which have been granted to” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the accusations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; albeit after settling millions to resolve the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution regarding the claims against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard the royal family from additional harm caused by public speculation.
Has the King Removed Him of His Titles?
No. And although this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in multiple ways: first, it enables the prince to openly state to have acted honourably in defence of the crown. As stated in his statement: “I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my relatives and the nation first.”
Second, although he consented not to use it, the prince keeps his ducal title, along with the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Like the HRH royal style honorific, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the king if he is overseas or unwell. However the palace has made clear that, realistically, he would not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement indicated this choice was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the palace pushed for this in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a ducal title would take legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the public – it has not happened to a senior royal in over a century – that it would likely cause more reputational damage for the royals.
The prince remains still a prince. 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 whole process could end up being drawn-out, implying the goal of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be met.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Humiliation, likely above all. The statement represents an substantial reduction of status he has resisted for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to encourage his brother to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been shed on the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained due to his status, he remains a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to raise £15m by selling a home that had been a gift from his mother, as an instance.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless series of controversies related to the prince has proved intolerable for the king and other senior royals.
His friendship with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were reports about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, this week, excerpts were published 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”.
Moreover, the king is scheduled to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, during which he will be the initial British king after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that visit to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Has Been the Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “justified” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican campaign group Republic has additionally stated the action is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual offences and misuse of position. He ought to be divested of all titles and his military position and should undergo a legal probe. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
