Why Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has confirmed he is giving up his official honors, including the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what has been revealed – and what wasn't.
What Did the Prince Announced?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has currently chosen to “go a step further” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been granted to” him.
But he also used the statement to emphatically denying – as he has always done – the accusations of misconduct leveled at him; even though after settling a substantial sum to resolve the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution regarding the claims against Andrew – especially since his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to protect his relatives from additional harm caused by media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: initially, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have acted honourably in defence of the crown. As stated in his announcement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and the nation first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, the prince keeps his ducal title, along with the titles the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the esteemed Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Similar to the royal style honorific, they essentially become dormant.
He remains a prince and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, 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 indicated that, realistically, he would not be asked to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “following talks with the king”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the royal household pushed for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a ducal title would require legislative action, and would represent an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely result in further harm to the image for the royals.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he became such as the child of the sovereign. This would only be altered if a royal decree was enacted by the king.
The entire procedure could end up being drawn-out, implying the goal of quickly addressing the matter – particularly for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The announcement signifies an effective loss of status he has resisted for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by his brother to encourage Andrew to move out of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been revealed about exactly how much funds Andrew has received due to his status, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m from the sale of a property that had been a gift from the queen, for example.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless list of scandals related to the prince has become unacceptable for the king 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 are in this together” in a message sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were reports about his association with a suspected Chinese spy and, recently, excerpts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed the prince “thought that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is due to make a historic visit to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Has Been the Response?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed the Times that the prince's style ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The republican campaign group Republic has additionally stated the move is “too little, too late”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He ought to be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
