Why Prince Andrew Has Surrendered His Royal Honors – and What It Means for the Royal Family
In a announcement released via the royal household, the king's brother has declared he is relinquishing his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Here are the details of what has been revealed – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Announced?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has currently decided to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of sexual impropriety made against him; even though having paid out millions to settle the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied any claims of wrongdoing.
There has been persistent pressure toward the royal institution 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 protect the royal family from further damage caused by media scrutiny.
Has the King Removed Him of His Titles?
No. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it is significant in multiple ways: first, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and the nation first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, the prince keeps his ducal title, as well as the honors the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the prestigious Garter role as a member of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the His Royal Highness title, they are effectively dormant.
He remains a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the sovereign if he is abroad or unwell. However the palace has made clear that, realistically, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “in discussion with the king”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the royal household advocated for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a ducal title would take legislative action, and would constitute such a historic move in full view of the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it could result in further harm to the image for the monarchy.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. When he was born 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 goal of quickly addressing the issue – particularly for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be met.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an effective loss of standing he has fought against for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to persuade Andrew to relocate of the 30-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been shed on the precise amount of money the prince has obtained due to his position, he remains a wealthy individual. In 2007, he managed to raise £15m from the sale of a property that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.
What Prompted This?
The continual list of scandals related to the prince has become intolerable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines following revelations Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in a message sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
There have also been stories about his connections with a suspected Chinese spy and, this week, extracts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Moreover, the sovereign is due to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff next week, when he will become the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that trip to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Was the Reaction?
Although he stated his sister had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He should be divested of every honor and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
