Why Prince Andrew Has Surrendered His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family
In a statement released via the royal household, Prince Andrew has declared that he will be relinquishing his official honors, such as his dukedom. Here is an overview of what has been revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Has the Prince Said?
Having already stepped down as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has currently chosen to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “honor or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he employed the announcement to make a point of rejecting – as he has always done – the accusations of misconduct made against him; albeit after settling millions to resolve the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct.
There has existed persistent pressure on the monarchy regarding the claims involving the prince – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect his relatives from further damage resulting from public speculation.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Titles?
No. And, while this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it is significant in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the monarchy. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my relatives and country first.”
Second, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains his ducal title, as well as the honors the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as a member of the prestigious order. Like the HRH royal style title, they are effectively inactive.
He remains royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he is also still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the king should he be overseas or ill. However the palace has indicated that, realistically, he will not be asked to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement said this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems highly likely that, privately, the palace pushed for this in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a dukedom would take an act of parliament, and would represent such a historic move publicly before the public – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the royals.
The prince remains still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically as the child of the sovereign. This could only be altered if a letters patent was issued by the king.
The whole process could end up being protracted, meaning the objective of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Humiliation, likely above all. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has resisted for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by his brother to persuade Andrew to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about exactly how much funds the prince has obtained as a result of his status, he continues to be a person of means. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m from the sale of a home that had been a gift from his mother, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The continual series of controversies involving Andrew has become intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny after it emerged Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in an email sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
There have also been reports about his association with an alleged intelligence operative and, this week, 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 sovereign is due to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that visit to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Was the Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “justified” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has additionally stated the action is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual offences and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of every honor and his military position and should face a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”