The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and What It Means for the Monarchy
Through a statement released by Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has declared he is giving up his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Below are the details of what was revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Has Andrew Said?
Having already stepped down as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now decided to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he employed the announcement to emphatically denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of misconduct made against him; even though after settling a substantial sum to resolve the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has been ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy over the allegations involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to safeguard his relatives from additional harm resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in two respects: initially, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As stated in his announcement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Additionally, although he consented not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, as well as the honors the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the prestigious position as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Like the HRH royal style honorific, they are effectively dormant.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the king should he be overseas or unwell. However royal officials has made clear that, in practice, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement said the decision was made “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would require an act of parliament, and would constitute such a historic move in full view of the public – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more reputational damage for the royals.
Andrew is also 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 royal decree was issued by the reigning monarch.
The whole process could end up being protracted, implying the objective of quickly addressing the matter – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an effective loss of standing he has resisted for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, despite rumoured attempts by the king to encourage Andrew to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on exactly how much funds Andrew has received due to his status, he continues to be a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from the queen, for example.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless list of scandals involving Andrew has become unacceptable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has 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 ceased contact.
Additionally, there were reports about his connections with a suspected Chinese spy and, recently, excerpts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged Andrew “thought that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the king is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo next week, during which he will be the initial British king after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Has Been the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “justified” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has additionally stated the move is “too little, too late”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual offences and abuse of office. He ought to be divested of all titles and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Not using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
