Why Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Royal Honors – and What It Means for the Royal Family
Through a announcement issued via Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has declared he is relinquishing his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Below is an overview 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Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “honor or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also employed the announcement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the accusations of misconduct made against him; albeit having paid out millions to settle the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy regarding the allegations involving the prince – especially since his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect his relatives from further damage caused by media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
No. And, while this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it is significant in two respects: first, it allows Andrew to openly state to have behaved with integrity in defence of the monarchy. As stated in his announcement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to put my duty to my relatives and country first.”
Second, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, as well as the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the His Royal Highness title, they are effectively dormant.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the king if he is abroad or ill. Although the palace has indicated that, realistically, he would not be asked to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement said this choice was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would require legislative action, and would constitute such a historic move in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more reputational damage for the monarchy.
Andrew is also still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he became such as the son of a monarch. This would only be changed if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The entire procedure could end up being protracted, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an effective loss of standing he has resisted for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, despite rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade Andrew to move out of the 30-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been revealed about exactly how much money Andrew has received as a result of his status, he remains a person of means. Back in 2007, he managed to raise £15m from the sale of a property that had been a gift from his mother, for example.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless list of scandals related to the prince has become intolerable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny after it emerged Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in a message dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
There have also been stories about his connections with an alleged Chinese spy and, this week, extracts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged Andrew “thought that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the sovereign is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the initial British king since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that trip to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Was the Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the action is “too little, too late”, adding: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He ought to be divested of all titles and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
