Why Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Royal Honors – and What It Means for the Royal Family
Through a statement released by the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be relinquishing his official honors, including his dukedom. Below are the details of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Did the Prince Announced?
After previously stepped down as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has currently decided to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “honor or the honours which have been granted to” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the accusations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; even though after settling a substantial sum to settle the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected all allegations of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the allegations involving the prince – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to protect the royal family from additional harm caused by media scrutiny.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And although this might be viewed as a mere formality, it is significant in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to openly state to have acted honourably in support of the monarchy. As stated in his announcement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, the prince keeps his ducal title, as well as the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as a member of the prestigious order. Like the HRH His Royal Highness honorific, they essentially become dormant.
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 king should he be overseas or ill. Although the palace has indicated that, realistically, he would not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement said the decision was made “in discussion with the monarch”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the royal household pushed for this 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 nation – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely result in further harm to the image for the royals.
The prince remains a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he became as the child of the sovereign. This would only be altered if a letters patent was issued by the king.
The whole process could end up being drawn-out, meaning the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an substantial reduction of status he has fought against for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by the king to persuade Andrew to relocate of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been revealed about exactly how much funds the prince has obtained due to his position, he continues to be a wealthy individual. 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 seemingly endless series of controversies involving Andrew has become intolerable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in an email sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were reports about his connections with a suspected Chinese spy and, this week, excerpts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged the prince “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Moreover, the sovereign is due to make a historic visit to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the first English monarch since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that trip to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Was the Response?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The republican campaign group Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be divested of every honor and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
