The Reasons Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Monarchy
Through a statement released by the royal household, the king's brother has declared that he will be giving up his official honors, such as the Duke of York. Here are the details of what was revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Has Andrew Announced?
After previously stepped down as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has currently chosen to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been granted to” him.
But he also employed the announcement to make a point of rejecting – as he has always done – the accusations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; even though after settling millions to resolve the legal claim 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 over the claims involving the prince – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to safeguard his relatives from further damage caused by media scrutiny.
Has the King Removed Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in support of the monarchy. As stated in his announcement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and the nation first.”
Second, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains the dukedom, as well as the honors his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style title, they essentially become inactive.
He remains a prince and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign if he is overseas or unwell. Although royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement indicated the decision was made “following talks with the king”. It appears little doubt that, privately, the palace advocated for this in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a ducal title would take an act of parliament, and would represent such a historic move publicly before the public – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely cause more reputational damage for the royals.
Andrew is also still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he became such as the son of a monarch. This would only be altered if a royal decree was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure could end up being protracted, meaning the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – particularly for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an substantial reduction of standing he has resisted for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by the king to encourage his brother to move out of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been revealed about the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained due to his status, he remains a wealthy individual. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m from the sale of a property that had been a gift from his mother, as an instance.
Why Now?
The continual list of scandals involving Andrew has become intolerable for the king and other senior royals.
His association with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with a suspected Chinese spy and, this week, excerpts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “believed that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Moreover, 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 split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be marred by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Was the Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “vindicated” 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 done.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the move is “too little, too late”, noting: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual offences and misuse of position. 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.”
