Why Prince Andrew Has Surrendered His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Monarchy
Through a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has declared he is relinquishing his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Here are the details of what has been revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Did the Prince Said?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “honor or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of misconduct leveled at him; even though after settling a substantial sum to resolve the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy regarding the claims against Andrew – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect the royal family from further damage resulting from media scrutiny.
Has the King Removed Him of His Honors?
No. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it enables the prince to openly state to have behaved with integrity in support of the monarchy. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and the nation first.”
Second, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, Andrew retains his ducal title, as well as the honors his earldom and his barony and the esteemed Garter role as a member of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH His Royal Highness honorific, they essentially become dormant.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the king should he be overseas or ill. Although the palace has made clear that, in practice, he would not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement said this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems highly likely that, privately, the royal household advocated for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a ducal title would take legislative action, and would constitute such a historic move in full view of the public – it has not happened to a senior royal in over a century – that it could cause more harm to the image for the royals.
Andrew is also still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the child of the sovereign. This could only be changed if a royal decree 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 Are the Implications for the Prince?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an substantial reduction of status he has fought against for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to encourage his brother to move out of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been revealed about exactly how much money Andrew has received as a result of his position, he continues to be a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m from the sale of a property that had been a gift from his mother, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The continual list of scandals related to the prince has become intolerable for the king and other senior royals.
His friendship 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 ended communication.
There have also been stories about his connections with an alleged Chinese spy and, recently, extracts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged Andrew “believed that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Moreover, the king is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff soon, during which he will be the initial British king since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that visit to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “justified” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has also said the action is “too little, too late”, adding: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual offences and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of all titles and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
