Why Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Official Honors – and What It Means for the Royal Family
In a statement issued via the royal household, the king's brother has declared he is relinquishing his official honors, such as his dukedom. Here are the details of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Said?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “honor or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he employed the announcement to emphatically denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of misconduct made against him; even though having paid out a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has been ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy regarding the allegations against Andrew – especially since his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect his relatives from additional harm resulting from media scrutiny.
Has the King Removed Him of His Titles?
No. And, while this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it enables the prince to openly state to have behaved with integrity in support of the crown. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to put my duty to my relatives and the nation first.”
Additionally, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains the dukedom, as well as the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the His Royal Highness honorific, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the sovereign if he is abroad or ill. However royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement indicated the decision was made “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for this in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take an act of parliament, and would constitute such a historic move in full view of the public – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely cause more reputational damage for the monarchy.
The prince remains still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he became as the child of the sovereign. This could only be changed if a letters patent was issued by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure might ultimately being protracted, meaning the goal of swiftly resolving the matter – particularly for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Humiliation, likely above all. The statement represents an substantial reduction of standing he has resisted for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to persuade his brother to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been revealed about the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained due to his position, he remains a person of means. Back in 2007, he managed to secure ÂŁ15m from the sale of a home that had been a wedding present from the queen, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless list of scandals related to the prince has proved intolerable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in a message dispatched months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with an alleged Chinese spy and, this week, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged the prince “thought that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the king is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that visit to be marred by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Has Been the Response?
Although he stated his sister had been “justified” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican campaign group Republic has additionally stated the action is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He should be divested of every honor and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
