Why Prince Andrew Has Surrendered His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a statement released via the royal household, Prince Andrew has declared that he will be giving up his royal titles, including his dukedom. Below is an overview of what was announced – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Said?
Having already stepped down as a working royal in 2019, the prince has currently decided to “take additional measures” and consent not to use the “honor or the honours which have been granted to” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the allegations of misconduct leveled at him; even though after settling millions to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy over the allegations against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect his relatives from additional harm caused by media scrutiny.
Has the King Removed Him of His Honors?
No. And, while this might be viewed as a mere formality, it holds importance in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in defence of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and the nation first.”
Second, although he consented not to use it, Andrew retains the dukedom, as well as the honors his earldom and his barony and the prestigious Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the His Royal Highness title, they are effectively inactive.
He remains a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the king should he be overseas or ill. However royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he would not be asked to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement said this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. It appears highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace advocated for the move in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take legislative action, and would represent an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the royals.
The prince remains a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically such as the child of the sovereign. This could only be changed if a letters patent was enacted by the king.
The entire procedure could end up being drawn-out, meaning the objective of quickly addressing the matter – particularly for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an effective loss of standing he has resisted for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to encourage his brother to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been revealed about the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained due to his status, he remains a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m from the sale of a home that had been a wedding present from the queen, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The continual series of controversies related to the prince has become intolerable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines after it emerged Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in a message sent three months after he claimed to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were reports about his connections with a suspected Chinese spy and, recently, extracts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged the prince “believed that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff 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 pope and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Has Been the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “vindicated” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that the prince's style ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual offences and misuse of position. He should be divested of every honor and his military position and should undergo a legal probe. Not using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
