The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Surrendered His Royal Honors – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a announcement released via the royal household, Prince Andrew has confirmed that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Below is an overview of what was announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Did the Prince Announced?
Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has currently decided to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the accusations of misconduct leveled at him; albeit after settling millions to settle the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied 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 that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from additional harm caused by media scrutiny.
Has the King Removed Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, Andrew retains his ducal title, along with the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious Garter role as a member of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the His Royal Highness honorific, they essentially become dormant.
He remains a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he is also still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the king if he is overseas or ill. Although royal officials has made clear that, in practice, he will not be asked to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement indicated this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems highly likely that, privately, the royal household advocated for this in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would require legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it could result in further harm to the image for the royals.
Andrew is also still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he became such as the child of the sovereign. This could only be changed if a letters patent was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure could end up being protracted, meaning the goal of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an effective loss of status he has resisted for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to encourage his brother to move out of the thirty-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on exactly how much money Andrew has received due to his status, he remains 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.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless list of scandals involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines following revelations Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in a message sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
There have also been reports about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, this week, extracts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “thought that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Moreover, the sovereign is scheduled to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, during which he will be the initial British king after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Was the Response?
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 “too little, too late”, adding: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He ought to be divested of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
