The Reasons Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a statement issued via Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has declared that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, including his dukedom. Here are the details of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Did the Prince Said?
Having already stepped down as a working royal in 2019, the prince has currently chosen to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “honor or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of sexual impropriety made against him; even though having paid out a substantial sum to settle the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy regarding the claims 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 media scrutiny.
Has the King Removed Him of His Titles?
No. And although this might be viewed as a mere formality, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in defence of the monarchy. As he said in his announcement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, as well as the honors his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as a member of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style honorific, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he is also still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign if he is abroad or ill. However royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement indicated this choice was made “following talks with the king”. It appears little doubt that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would require legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before the public – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it could cause more harm to the image for the monarchy.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he became as the child of the sovereign. This would only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the reigning monarch.
The whole process could end up being drawn-out, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – may not be achieved.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The statement represents an effective loss of standing he has fought against for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by the king to encourage his brother to relocate 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 as a result of his status, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he was able to secure £15m from the sale of a home that had been a wedding present from the queen, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
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 sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once 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.
There have also been stories about his connections with an alleged Chinese spy and, recently, extracts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed Andrew “thought that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Moreover, the sovereign is scheduled to undertake a significant trip 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 pray publicly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that visit to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Was the Response?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the action is “too little, too late”, adding: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He should be stripped of all titles and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
