The Reasons Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Royal Titles – and What It Means for the Royal Family
Through a announcement released via the royal household, Prince Andrew has declared he is relinquishing his official honors, such as his dukedom. Here are the details of what has been announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Has Andrew Announced?
After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “honor or the honours which have been granted to” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of misconduct made against him; even though having paid out a substantial sum to resolve the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied all allegations of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy regarding the allegations involving the prince – especially since his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to protect his relatives from additional harm resulting from media scrutiny.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Titles?
No. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it holds importance in two respects: initially, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in support of the crown. As stated in his announcement: “I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and the nation first.”
Second, while he has agreed not to use it, the prince keeps his ducal title, as well as the titles his earldom and his barony and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Similar to the royal style honorific, they essentially become dormant.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the king if he is abroad or ill. Although royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement said the decision was made “following talks with the king”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the royal household advocated for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would take legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the royals.
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 altered if a royal decree was enacted by the king.
The whole process could end up being drawn-out, implying the goal of quickly addressing the matter – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has resisted for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, despite reported efforts by the king to encourage his brother to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on exactly how much funds the prince has obtained as a result of his status, he remains a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he was able to raise £15m by selling a home that had been a gift from his mother, for example.
What Prompted This?
The continual list of scandals involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in a message sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were reports about his connections with a suspected intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “believed that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the king is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo soon, 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 will not have wanted that trip to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Has Been the Reaction?
Although he stated his sister had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has also said the action is “too little, too late”, noting: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of all titles and his military position and should face a criminal investigation. Not using archaic honors is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
