The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Royal Honors – and What It Means for the Royal Family
Through a statement issued by the royal household, the king's brother has declared that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Below are the details of what has been revealed – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Said?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of rejecting – as he has always done – the accusations of misconduct leveled at him; even though having paid out millions to settle the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied all allegations of improper conduct.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy over the allegations against Andrew – especially since his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to protect the royal family from further damage caused by public speculation.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
No. And, while this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it is significant in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to openly state to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As stated in his announcement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to put my duty to my relatives and country first.”
Second, while he has agreed 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 prestigious order. Similar to the His Royal Highness honorific, they essentially become dormant.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the king if he is abroad or unwell. Although the palace has made clear that, in practice, he would not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement indicated the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears little doubt that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for this in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a dukedom would take legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it could result in further reputational damage for the royals.
The prince remains still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he became such as the child of the sovereign. This could only be changed if a letters patent was enacted by the king.
The whole process might ultimately being protracted, meaning the goal of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has fought against for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding reported efforts by the king to encourage Andrew to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been shed on exactly how much money the prince has obtained as a result of his status, he continues to be a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m from the sale of a property that had been a gift from the queen, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The continual list of scandals related to the prince has become intolerable for the king and other senior royals.
His friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines following revelations Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in a message sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
There have also been stories about his connections with a suspected intelligence operative and, recently, extracts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Moreover, the king is due 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 worship openly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that visit to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Has Been the Response?
While he said his sister had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be done.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the action is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual misconduct 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.”