The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Official Honors – and What It Means for the Royal Family
Through a announcement released by the royal household, Prince Andrew has declared he is giving up his official honors, such as the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what has been revealed – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Said?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has currently decided to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “honor or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also used the statement to emphatically denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; even though having paid out a substantial sum to settle the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has been persistent pressure toward the royal institution over the allegations against Andrew – especially since his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard the royal family from further damage caused by public speculation.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in multiple ways: first, it enables the prince to openly state to have acted honourably in defence of the crown. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my relatives and the nation first.”
Second, although he consented not to use it, Andrew retains the dukedom, as well as the honors his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH His Royal Highness title, they essentially become inactive.
He remains a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the sovereign should he be abroad or unwell. However royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement said the decision was made “following talks with the king”. It appears little doubt that, behind the scenes, the palace advocated for this in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would take an act of parliament, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the public – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it could cause more reputational damage for the monarchy.
The prince remains a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he became as the son of a monarch. This could only be altered if a letters patent was enacted by the king.
The entire procedure might ultimately being drawn-out, meaning the goal of quickly addressing the issue – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The statement signifies an effective loss of standing he has resisted for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to persuade his brother to move out of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on exactly how much funds the prince has obtained due to his position, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he managed to raise £15m by selling a home that had been a wedding present from his mother, as an instance.
Why Now?
The continual series of controversies related to the prince has become intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines following revelations that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in a message sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with a suspected intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed Andrew “thought that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the king is scheduled to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo soon, when he will become the first English monarch since Henry VIII 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 more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Has Been the Reaction?
While he said Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be done.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has additionally stated the move is “too little, too late”, adding: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He should be divested of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a criminal investigation. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”