Why Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and What It Means for the Monarchy
In a statement released via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has declared he is giving up his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Below is an overview of what was revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Has the Prince Said?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has currently decided to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “honor or the awards which have been granted to” him.
But he also used the statement to emphatically denying – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of misconduct made against him; even though after settling a substantial sum to resolve the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy regarding the allegations against Andrew – especially since his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect the royal family from further damage caused by public speculation.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And, while 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 crown. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my family and country first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, the prince keeps his ducal title, as well as the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style honorific, they essentially become dormant.
He remains royalty and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the king should he be abroad or unwell. Although the palace has made clear that, realistically, he would not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement said the decision was made “following talks with the monarch”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the palace advocated for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a ducal title would require an act of parliament, and would represent such a historic move publicly before the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the monarchy.
The prince remains a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This could only be changed if a letters patent was issued by the king.
The whole process might ultimately being protracted, implying the goal of quickly addressing the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an effective loss 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 move out of the 30-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been shed on the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained due to his position, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to raise £15m from the sale of a property that had been a gift from the queen, for example.
Why Now?
The continual series of controversies related to the prince has become unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once 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 ended communication.
There have also been reports about his connections with a suspected intelligence operative and, this week, extracts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed Andrew “thought that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that visit to be marred by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Has Been the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the action is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He should be stripped of all titles and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”