Why Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a announcement released by the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, including his dukedom. Here are the details of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Announced?
After previously stepped down as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now decided to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “honor or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also employed the announcement to emphatically denying – as he has always done – the allegations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; even though after settling millions to resolve the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy over the allegations against Andrew – especially since his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to safeguard his relatives from further damage caused by media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Honors?
No. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in multiple ways: initially, it allows Andrew to openly state to have behaved with integrity in defence of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, the prince keeps his ducal title, along with the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as a member of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the His Royal Highness honorific, they are effectively dormant.
He remains royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he is also still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the king should he be overseas or ill. However royal officials has made clear that, in practice, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement indicated the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the palace advocated for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would require an act of parliament, and would constitute such a historic move publicly before the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it could result in further reputational damage for the monarchy.
The prince remains a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the child of the sovereign. This could only be altered if a letters patent was issued by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure might ultimately being drawn-out, implying the goal of swiftly resolving the issue – particularly for the monarchy's interests – may not be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an effective loss of status he has fought against for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, despite rumoured attempts by the king to encourage his brother to move out of the 30-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on exactly how much money the prince has obtained as a result of his status, he remains a wealthy individual. In 2007, he managed to raise £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from the queen, 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 convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in a message sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
There have also been stories about his association with a suspected intelligence operative and, this week, excerpts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “thought that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo soon, during which he will be the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Has Been the Reaction?
While he said Giuffre 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 done.
The republican campaign group Republic has additionally stated the action is “too little, too late”, noting: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual offences and misuse of position. He should be stripped of all titles and his navy rank and should face a legal probe. Not using archaic honors is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
