The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Royal Honors – and What It Means for the Royal Family
Through a announcement issued via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has declared he is relinquishing his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what was revealed – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Said?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been granted to” him.
But he also used the statement to emphatically rejecting – as he has always done – the allegations of misconduct made against him; albeit after settling a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the allegations against Andrew – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from additional harm caused by public speculation.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Honors?
No. And, while this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: first, it allows Andrew to openly state to have behaved with integrity in defence of the monarchy. As stated in his announcement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my relatives and the nation first.”
Additionally, although he consented not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, along with the honors his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as a member of the prestigious order. Similar to the royal style honorific, they are effectively inactive.
He remains a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the king should he be abroad or ill. Although the palace has indicated that, in practice, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement said the decision was made “following talks with the king”. There seems highly likely that, privately, the royal household advocated for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a dukedom would take legislative action, and would represent such a historic move in full view of the nation – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it would likely result in further harm to the image for the royals.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically as the child of the sovereign. This could only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure might ultimately being drawn-out, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be met.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an substantial reduction of status he has resisted for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, despite reported efforts by his brother to persuade his brother to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on exactly how much funds the prince has obtained as a result of his position, he remains a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from the queen, as an instance.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless list of scandals related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in a message sent three months after he claimed to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were reports about his connections with a suspected Chinese spy and, this week, extracts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged Andrew “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Moreover, the sovereign is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo soon, during which he will be the first English monarch since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that trip to be marred by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Has Been the Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that the prince's style ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He ought to be divested of every honor and his military position and should undergo a legal probe. Not using archaic honors is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
