Why Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
Through a announcement released via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has declared that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Has Andrew Said?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now decided to “go a step further” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him.
But he also used the statement to emphatically rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of misconduct leveled at him; even though after settling a substantial sum to resolve the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected all allegations of improper conduct.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the allegations involving the prince – particularly after his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to safeguard his relatives from additional harm caused by public speculation.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in defence of the monarchy. As he said in his announcement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my family and the nation first.”
Second, although he consented not to use it, the prince keeps the dukedom, along with the honors the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Similar to the royal style title, they are effectively dormant.
He remains a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the sovereign should he be overseas or unwell. Although royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace advocated for this in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take legislative action, and would represent such a historic move publicly before the public – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely cause more reputational damage for the monarchy.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically such as the child of the sovereign. This could only be changed if a letters patent was enacted by the king.
The whole process might ultimately being drawn-out, meaning the goal of quickly addressing the matter – at least for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be met.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has resisted for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, despite reported efforts by the king to persuade Andrew to relocate of the 30-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been shed on exactly how much funds Andrew has received as a result of his status, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to raise £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from his mother, as an instance.
Why Now?
The continual list of scandals involving Andrew has become unacceptable for the king and other senior royals.
His association with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, this week, extracts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged the prince “believed that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the king is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the initial British king 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 trip to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “vindicated” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the action is “too little, too late”, noting: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual offences and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of all titles and his military position and should face a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
