The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Surrendered His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Monarchy
Through a announcement released via the royal household, the king's brother has declared that he will be giving up his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what was announced – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Said?
After previously stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “go a step further” and agree to refrain from using the “honor or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also employed the announcement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the allegations of misconduct made against him; albeit having paid out millions to settle the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has been ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy over the claims against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from further damage resulting from public speculation.
Has the King Removed Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it enables the prince to openly state to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As he said in his statement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first.”
Additionally, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains the dukedom, along with the honors the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the prestigious position as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Similar to the royal style title, they are effectively inactive.
He remains a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the king should he be overseas or ill. However the palace has indicated that, realistically, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement said this choice was made “in discussion with the monarch”. It appears highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace advocated for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a ducal title would require legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before the public – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more harm to the image for the monarchy.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he became such as the child of the sovereign. This would only be changed if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The entire procedure could end up being drawn-out, implying the goal of quickly addressing the matter – particularly for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be met.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, likely above all. The announcement signifies an effective loss of status he has fought against for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, despite rumoured attempts by the king to persuade Andrew to move out of the thirty-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been shed on the precise amount of money the prince has obtained due to his position, he remains a wealthy individual. In 2007, he managed to raise £15m from the sale of a home that had been a wedding present from the queen, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless list of scandals involving Andrew has become unacceptable for the king and other senior royals.
His association with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny after it emerged Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email sent three months after he claimed to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were stories about his association with an alleged intelligence operative and, recently, extracts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged the prince “thought that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, when he will become the initial British king since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the pope 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 Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican campaign group Republic has also said the action is “too little, too late”, adding: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be stripped of every honor and his military position and should face a criminal investigation. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
