Why Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Official Titles – and What It Means for the Monarchy
Through a announcement released by Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has declared he is relinquishing his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Here are the details of what has been announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Did Andrew Said?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now decided to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been granted to” him.
However, he employed the announcement to make a point of rejecting – as he has always done – the allegations of sexual impropriety made against him; albeit after settling a substantial sum to resolve the legal claim filed 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 regarding the claims involving the prince – especially since his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to safeguard his relatives from additional harm resulting from public speculation.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it holds importance in multiple ways: first, it allows Andrew to openly state to have acted honourably in defence of the monarchy. As he said 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 to abstain from using it, the prince keeps the dukedom, along with the titles his earldom and his barony and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the His Royal Highness honorific, they essentially become dormant.
He remains royalty and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the sovereign should he be abroad or ill. Although royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he would not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is telling 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 pushed for this in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take an act of parliament, and would represent an unprecedented step publicly before the nation – it has not happened to a senior royal in over a century – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the monarchy.
The prince remains still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This could only be changed if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The entire procedure could end up being protracted, meaning the goal of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be met.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an effective loss of standing he has fought against for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by his brother to encourage Andrew to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been revealed about exactly how much funds the prince has obtained as a result of his status, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he was able to raise £15m from the sale of a home that had been a gift from the queen, for example.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless series of controversies involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the king and other senior royals.
His association with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in a message sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
There have also been reports about his association with a suspected Chinese spy and, recently, extracts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged Andrew “thought that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the sovereign is scheduled to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, during which he will be the initial British king after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
Although he stated his sister had been “justified” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization 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 navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Not using archaic honors is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
