The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Surrendered His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Royal Family
In a announcement issued by Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has declared that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Here are the details of what has been revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Did Andrew Said?
After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has currently decided to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “honor or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also employed the announcement to emphatically rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of sexual impropriety made against him; even though after settling millions to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has existed persistent pressure on the monarchy over the allegations against Andrew – especially since his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard the royal family from further damage resulting from media scrutiny.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in multiple ways: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and the nation first.”
Second, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains his ducal title, along with the honors his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Like the HRH His Royal Highness title, they are effectively dormant.
He remains royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign if he is overseas or ill. However the palace has indicated that, in practice, he would not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement indicated this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, privately, the palace advocated for this in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a dukedom 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 more than 100 years – that it would likely cause more harm to the image for the monarchy.
Andrew is also still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This would only be altered if a royal decree was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The whole process could end up being drawn-out, meaning the goal of swiftly resolving the matter – particularly for the monarchy's interests – may not be achieved.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has resisted for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to encourage Andrew to move out of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about the precise amount of money Andrew has received due to his status, he remains a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m from the sale of a property that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless series of controversies involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the jailed 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 after he claimed to have ceased contact.
There have also been reports about his association with an alleged Chinese spy and, this week, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged Andrew “believed that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the king is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the first English monarch since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that visit to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Response?
While he said his sister had been “vindicated” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts informed a newspaper 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 “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He should be stripped of all titles and his navy rank and should face a legal probe. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
