The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family
In a statement released via the royal household, the king's brother has declared he is giving up his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Below is an overview of what was revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Did Andrew Announced?
Having already stepped down 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 awards which have been granted to” him.
However, he used the statement to emphatically rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of misconduct leveled at him; albeit after settling millions to resolve the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has been persistent pressure toward the royal institution regarding the claims involving the prince – especially since his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect his relatives from further damage caused by media scrutiny.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the monarchy. As he said in his announcement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.”
Second, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains the dukedom, as well as the honors the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Like the HRH royal style honorific, they are effectively inactive.
He remains royalty and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the sovereign if he is overseas or unwell. However the palace has made clear that, realistically, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement said this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, privately, the palace pushed for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
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 public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely result in further harm to the image for the monarchy.
Andrew is also still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the child of the sovereign. This would only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The entire procedure might ultimately being drawn-out, meaning the goal of quickly addressing the matter – particularly for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The announcement represents an effective loss of standing he has fought against for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by his brother to persuade Andrew to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on exactly how much funds Andrew has received due to his position, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m by selling a home that had been a wedding present from the queen, for example.
What Prompted This?
The continual series of controversies related to the prince has become unacceptable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines following revelations Andrew had told 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, this week, excerpts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “believed that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Moreover, the sovereign is scheduled to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo soon, during which he will be the initial British king after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has additionally stated the move is “too little, too late”, noting: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He ought to be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
