The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Surrendered His Official Titles – and What It Means for the Royal Family
Through a announcement released by the royal household, Prince Andrew has declared he is relinquishing his royal titles, including his dukedom. Here are the details of what was announced – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Announced?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “take additional measures” and consent not to use the “honor or the honours which have been granted to” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the allegations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; even though after settling a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied all allegations of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the allegations against Andrew – especially since his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to protect the royal family from further damage resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Titles?
No. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in two respects: first, it enables the prince to openly state to have acted honourably in defence of the monarchy. As he said in his announcement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Additionally, although he consented to abstain from using it, the prince keeps his ducal title, along with the honors the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style title, they essentially become inactive.
He remains a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the king should he be abroad or ill. Although royal officials has made clear that, realistically, he would not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement said this choice was made “in discussion with the monarch”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the palace pushed for this in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a dukedom would take an act of parliament, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the royals.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This would only be changed if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The whole process might ultimately being drawn-out, implying the goal of quickly addressing the issue – particularly for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Humiliation, likely above all. The announcement represents an effective loss of standing he has resisted for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, despite rumoured attempts by the king 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 the prince has obtained due to his status, he continues to be a person of means. In 2007, he was able to raise £15m from the sale of a home that had been a gift from the queen, for example.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless list of scandals involving Andrew has proved unacceptable for the king and other senior royals.
His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
There have also been reports about his association with a suspected intelligence operative and, this week, excerpts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed the prince “thought that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is scheduled to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, when he will become the first English monarch since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Has Been the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “vindicated” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The republican campaign group Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual offences and misuse of position. He ought to be divested of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Not using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
