Why Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a statement issued via the royal household, Prince Andrew has confirmed that he will be relinquishing his official honors, including the Duke of York. Below are the details of what was announced – and what wasn't.
What Did the Prince Said?
After previously stepped down as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now decided to “go a step further” and consent to refrain from using the “honor or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he employed the announcement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of misconduct made against him; albeit having paid out millions to resolve the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct.
There has existed persistent pressure toward the royal institution over the claims against Andrew – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect his relatives from further damage resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles?
No. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: initially, it enables the prince to openly state to have behaved with integrity in support of the monarchy. As he said in his announcement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to put my duty to my relatives and the nation first.”
Additionally, although he consented not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, along with the honors the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the prestigious position as a member of the prestigious order. Similar to the His Royal Highness honorific, they are effectively inactive.
He remains royalty 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 overseas or unwell. However royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement said the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. There seems highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace advocated for this in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would require legislative action, and would constitute such a historic move publicly before the public – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely result in further harm to the image for the monarchy.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he became as the child of the sovereign. This could only be changed if a royal decree was enacted by the king.
The whole process could end up being protracted, meaning the objective of quickly addressing the matter – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an substantial reduction of status he has resisted for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by his brother to encourage Andrew to relocate of the 30-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on the precise amount of money Andrew has received as a result of his position, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m by selling a home that had been a gift from his mother, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The continual series of controversies involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in a message dispatched months after he claimed to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with a suspected intelligence operative and, this week, extracts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed Andrew “thought that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the initial British king since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that visit to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Has Been the Response?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “true justice” to be done.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has also said the action is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of all titles and his military position and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
