The Reasons Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a statement released by the royal household, Prince Andrew has confirmed that he will be giving up his official honors, including his dukedom. Below are the details of what has been announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Has the Prince Announced?
Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “go a step further” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of misconduct made against him; even though having paid out millions to settle the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has been persistent pressure toward the royal institution regarding the claims involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect his relatives from further damage resulting from media scrutiny.
Has the King Removed Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in multiple ways: first, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in defence of the crown. As he said in his statement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and the nation first.”
Additionally, although he consented not to use it, Andrew retains the dukedom, as well as the titles the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the prestigious position as a member of the prestigious order. Similar to the His Royal Highness title, they are effectively dormant.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he is also still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the sovereign should he be abroad or ill. Although the palace has made clear that, in practice, he will not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement indicated the decision was made “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the palace advocated for the move in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would require an act of parliament, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it could cause more reputational damage for the royals.
Andrew is also still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he became such as the son of a monarch. This could only be altered if a letters patent was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The whole process might ultimately being protracted, meaning the objective of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The announcement represents an effective loss 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 persuade Andrew to relocate of the 30-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been shed on the precise amount of money 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 his mother, for example.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless series of controversies 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 has again in the headlines following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were reports about his connections with an alleged Chinese spy and, this week, extracts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “believed that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the king is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo next week, when he will become the initial British king 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 Was the Response?
While he said his sister had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that the prince's style should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He ought to be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Not using archaic honors is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
