The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Surrendered His Royal Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a announcement released by the royal household, the king's brother has declared that he will be giving up his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Here are the details of what was revealed – and what wasn't.
What Did the Prince Announced?
After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has currently decided to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “title or the honours which have been granted to” him.
But he also employed the announcement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; even though having paid out a substantial sum to resolve the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected all allegations of improper conduct.
There has existed persistent pressure on the monarchy regarding the allegations involving the prince – especially since his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect the royal family from further damage resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Honors?
No. And, while this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it holds importance in multiple ways: first, it allows Andrew to openly state to have acted honourably in support of the monarchy. As stated in his announcement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my relatives and country first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, the prince keeps his ducal title, as well as the honors his earldom and his barony and the prestigious position as a member of the prestigious order. Similar to the royal style honorific, they are effectively dormant.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the king should he be overseas or ill. Although the palace has indicated that, in practice, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement said the decision was made “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, privately, the palace advocated for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would require legislative action, and would represent an unprecedented step publicly before the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more reputational damage for the royals.
Andrew is also still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he became as the son of a monarch. This would only be altered if a royal decree was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The whole process might ultimately being drawn-out, meaning the goal of swiftly resolving the issue – particularly for the monarchy's interests – may not be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an effective loss of standing he has fought against for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to encourage Andrew to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been revealed about exactly how much funds the prince has obtained due to his status, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he managed to raise £15m by selling a property that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless list of scandals involving Andrew has become unacceptable for the king and other senior royals.
His friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in a message sent three months after he claimed to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were stories about his association with an alleged Chinese spy and, this week, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the king is due to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the initial British king after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Has Been the Response?
Although he stated his sister had been “justified” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be done.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has also said the action is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual offences and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of all titles and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
