Why Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Royal Honors – and What It Means for the Royal Family
Through a announcement issued by Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has declared he is relinquishing his official honors, including his dukedom. Below is an overview of what was announced – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Said?
After previously stepped down as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now decided to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him.
However, he used the statement to emphatically denying – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of sexual impropriety made against him; even though having paid out millions to resolve the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of improper conduct.
There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy regarding the allegations involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from further damage resulting from media scrutiny.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Titles?
No. And, while this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it is significant in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in defence of the crown. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.”
Second, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains his ducal title, as well as the titles his earldom and his barony and the esteemed position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style title, they are effectively inactive.
He continues to be a prince 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 unwell. Although the palace has indicated that, realistically, he would not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement said this choice was made “following talks with the king”. It appears little doubt that, privately, the royal household pushed for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a dukedom would require an act of parliament, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before the nation – it has not happened to a senior royal in over a century – that it could result in further reputational damage for the royals.
The prince remains a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he became as the child of the sovereign. This could only be altered if a letters patent was issued by the king.
The whole process could end up being protracted, meaning the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – particularly for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be met.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade Andrew to relocate of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about the precise amount of money Andrew has received as a result of his status, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m from the sale of a property that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.
What Prompted This?
The continual series of controversies related to the prince has become unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in a message sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his association with an alleged intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged Andrew “thought that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Moreover, the sovereign is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, when he will become the initial British king after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that trip to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Response?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “justified” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has additionally stated the action is “too little, too late”, noting: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He ought to be stripped of every honor and his military position and should face a legal probe. Not using archaic honors is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
