The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Surrendered His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
Through a announcement issued by the royal household, Prince Andrew has declared that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Below are the details of what was announced – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Said?
Having already stepped down as a working royal in 2019, the prince has currently decided to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “honor or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he used the statement to emphatically denying – as he has always done – the accusations of sexual impropriety made against him; albeit having paid out a substantial sum to settle the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy over the claims involving the prince – especially since his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect his relatives from further damage caused by media scrutiny.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Honors?
No. And although this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it enables the prince to openly state to have behaved with integrity in defence of the monarchy. As he said in his announcement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my relatives and the nation first.”
Second, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains the dukedom, along with the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed 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 the line of succession. In theory, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be abroad or ill. Although royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he would not be asked to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement said the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the royal household pushed for the move in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a ducal title would take legislative action, and would represent an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely cause more reputational damage for the monarchy.
The prince remains still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This would only be altered if a royal decree was enacted by the king.
The whole process might ultimately being protracted, meaning the objective of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an effective loss of standing he has fought against for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, despite rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade his brother to move out of the thirty-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about exactly how much funds the prince has obtained as a result of his position, he remains a person of means. Back in 2007, he managed to secure £15m by selling a home that had been a gift from his mother, for example.
What Prompted This?
The continual series of controversies involving Andrew has become intolerable for the king and other senior royals.
His association with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in a message dispatched months after he claimed to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were stories about his association with an alleged Chinese spy and, recently, extracts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged Andrew “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Moreover, the king is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the first English monarch since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that visit to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Was the Response?
While he said his sister had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “true justice” to be done.
The republican campaign group Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a criminal investigation. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
