Why Prince Andrew Has Surrendered His Official Titles – and What It Means for the Monarchy
In a announcement released via the royal household, the king's brother has declared that he will be giving up his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Here is an overview of what has been revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Has Andrew Said?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now decided to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “honor or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he employed the announcement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of sexual impropriety made against him; even though having paid out millions to settle the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has been persistent pressure toward the royal institution over the allegations involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard the royal family from further damage resulting from public speculation.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it is significant in multiple ways: first, it allows Andrew to openly state to have behaved with integrity in defence of the monarchy. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.”
Additionally, although he consented not to use it, the prince keeps the dukedom, along with the honors his earldom and his barony and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Similar to the royal style honorific, they are effectively inactive.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he is also still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the sovereign if he is abroad or ill. Although royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he would not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement indicated the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. There seems highly likely that, privately, the palace advocated for the move in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a ducal title would require legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it could result in further harm to the image for the monarchy.
The prince remains a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he became as the son of a monarch. This would only be altered if a royal decree was enacted by the king.
The entire procedure could end up being protracted, implying the goal of quickly addressing the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be met.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The statement signifies an effective loss of standing he has resisted for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by the king to encourage Andrew to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been shed on exactly how much money Andrew has received as a result of his status, he continues to be a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he managed to raise £15m by selling a home that had been a wedding present from the queen, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The continual series of controversies related to the prince has become intolerable for the king and other senior royals.
His association with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines after it emerged Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in a message sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
There have also been reports about his connections with an alleged Chinese spy and, recently, extracts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Moreover, the sovereign is due to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the first English monarch since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Has Been the Reaction?
While he said Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that the prince's style should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should 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.”
