Why Prince Andrew Has Surrendered His Royal Titles – and What It Means for the Monarchy
In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has confirmed he is relinquishing his royal titles, including his dukedom. Here is an overview of what was announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Did the Prince Said?
Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “honor or the awards which have been granted to” him.
But he also used the statement to emphatically rejecting – as he has always done – the accusations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; albeit having paid out a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed persistent pressure toward the royal institution over the claims against Andrew – especially since his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to safeguard his relatives from additional harm caused by media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in defence of the monarchy. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and the nation first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, Andrew retains his ducal title, as well as the titles the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the esteemed position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style title, they are effectively dormant.
He remains royalty and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he is also still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the king if he is abroad or unwell. However the palace has indicated that, realistically, he would not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement said the decision 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 cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a dukedom would take legislative action, 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 would likely cause more reputational damage for the monarchy.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically such as the child of the sovereign. This would only be altered if a letters patent was issued by the king.
The whole process might ultimately being drawn-out, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has resisted for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to encourage his brother to relocate of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on exactly how much funds Andrew has received as a result of his status, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to raise £15m from the sale of a home that had been a gift from the queen, for example.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless list of scandals involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in a message dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
There have also been stories about his association with a suspected intelligence operative and, recently, extracts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “believed that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Moreover, the king is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the first English monarch since Henry VIII 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 overshadowed by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Has Been the Response?
Although he stated his sister had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has also said the move is “too little, too late”, adding: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be divested of all titles and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
