Why Prince Andrew Has Surrendered His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a announcement released by the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be giving up his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Here are the details of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Said?
Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has now decided to “go a step further” and consent to refrain from using the “honor or the honours which have been granted to” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; even though having paid out a substantial sum to resolve the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy over the allegations against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to safeguard his relatives from additional harm resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Honors?
No. And although this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it is significant in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in defence of the crown. As stated in his announcement: “I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first.”
Second, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains the dukedom, as well as the honors the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the esteemed position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style honorific, they are effectively dormant.
He remains a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the king should he be abroad or unwell. However royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he would not be asked to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace advocated for this in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would require legislative action, and would constitute such a historic move publicly before the nation – it has not happened to a senior royal in over a century – that it would likely result in further harm to the image for the monarchy.
Andrew is also 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 entire procedure might ultimately being drawn-out, implying the goal of quickly addressing the issue – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – may not be achieved.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an effective loss of standing he has fought against for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, despite rumoured attempts by the king to encourage Andrew to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been revealed about exactly how much money the prince has obtained as a result of his position, he remains a wealthy individual. In 2007, he was able to raise £15m by selling a home that had been a wedding present from the queen, for example.
What Prompted This?
The continual list of scandals involving Andrew has become unacceptable for the king and other senior royals.
His association with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in a message dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with a suspected intelligence operative and, this week, excerpts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed the prince “believed that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Moreover, the sovereign is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff soon, 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 Holy Father 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 Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “justified” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He should 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.”
