The Reasons Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Royal Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a announcement issued by the royal household, the king's brother has declared that he will be giving up his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Below are the details of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Announced?
Having already stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has currently decided to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “title or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he employed the announcement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of misconduct made against 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 wrongdoing.
There has existed persistent pressure on the monarchy regarding the claims against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect the royal family from further damage caused by media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it allows Andrew to openly state to have acted honourably in support of the monarchy. As he said in his announcement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my relatives and country first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains the dukedom, as well as 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 dormant.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be abroad or ill. Although royal officials has made clear that, realistically, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement said this choice was made “in discussion with the king”. There seems little doubt that, privately, the palace advocated for this in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a dukedom would require an act of parliament, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more reputational damage for the royals.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the child of the sovereign. This could only be altered if a letters patent was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The whole process might ultimately being protracted, meaning the goal of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an substantial reduction of status he has fought against for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by his brother to encourage Andrew 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 Andrew has received due to his position, he continues to be a person of means. In 2007, he was able to raise £15m by selling a property that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The continual series of controversies involving Andrew has become intolerable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has 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 reports about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged Andrew “believed that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Moreover, the king is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the initial British king since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that visit to be marred by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Has Been the Reaction?
While he said Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has also said the move is “too little, too late”, noting: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He ought to be divested of every honor and his military position and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
