The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Official Titles – and What It Means for the Monarchy
Through a statement released by the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed he is relinquishing his official honors, including his dukedom. Here is an overview of what was revealed – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Said?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has currently chosen to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “honor or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also used the statement to emphatically denying – 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 accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy regarding the claims involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard his relatives from additional harm resulting from public speculation.
Has the King Removed Him of His Titles?
No. And although this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in multiple ways: initially, it enables the prince to openly state to have acted honourably in defence of the monarchy. As he said in his statement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Second, although he consented not to use it, the prince keeps the dukedom, along with the titles the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the prestigious Garter role as a member of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style honorific, they essentially become dormant.
He remains royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the sovereign if he is overseas or ill. Although royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he would not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “in discussion with the king”. There seems highly likely that, privately, the palace advocated for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Formally 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 high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more reputational damage for the royals.
Andrew is also still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the child of the sovereign. This could only be changed if a royal decree was issued by the reigning monarch.
The whole process could end up being protracted, meaning the objective of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be achieved.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite rumoured attempts by his brother to encourage Andrew to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been revealed about the precise amount of funds Andrew has received as a result of his status, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he managed to raise £15m by selling a property that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless list of scandals involving Andrew has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in a message sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
There have also been reports 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 Andrew “thought that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the king is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff next week, when he will become the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that trip to be marred by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Has Been the Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has also said the move is “too little, too late”, adding: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual offences and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of every honor and his military position and should undergo a criminal investigation. Not using archaic honors is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
