Why Prince Andrew Has Surrendered His Royal Honors – 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, such as his dukedom. Below is an overview of what has been announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Has Andrew Said?
Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been granted to” him.
But he also employed the announcement to emphatically rejecting – as he has always done – the accusations of misconduct leveled at him; even though after settling millions to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement 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 claims involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to protect the royal family from additional harm resulting from public speculation.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And although this might be viewed as a mere formality, it holds importance in two respects: initially, it enables the prince to openly state to have behaved with integrity in defence of the monarchy. As he said in his statement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my relatives and country first.”
Second, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, Andrew retains his ducal title, along with the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as a member of the prestigious order. Similar to the His Royal Highness honorific, they are effectively inactive.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the king should he be overseas or ill. However the palace has indicated that, in practice, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement said this choice was made “in discussion with the king”. There seems highly likely that, behind the scenes, the royal household advocated for the move in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would require legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before 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 monarchy.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This would only be changed if a letters patent was issued by the king.
The whole process could end up being drawn-out, implying the objective of quickly addressing the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be achieved.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an effective loss of standing he has resisted for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, despite reported efforts by the king to persuade his brother 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 as a result of his status, he continues to be a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he managed to raise £15m from the sale of a home that had been a gift from the queen, for example.
Why Now?
The continual series of controversies involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the king and other senior royals.
His association with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines 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.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with a suspected intelligence operative and, this week, excerpts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Moreover, the king is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo soon, when he will become the initial British king since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
While he said Giuffre had been “justified” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual offences and misuse of position. He should be divested of all titles and his military position and should face a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
