The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a announcement released via the royal household, Prince Andrew has confirmed he is giving up his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Here is an overview of what was revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Has the Prince Said?
After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has currently chosen to “go a step further” and agree to refrain from using the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of misconduct leveled at him; even though having paid out millions to resolve the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has existed persistent pressure on the monarchy regarding the claims against Andrew – especially since his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect his relatives from further damage caused by public speculation.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And although this might be viewed 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 statement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and the nation first.”
Second, although he consented not to use it, the prince keeps his ducal title, along with the titles the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the esteemed Garter role as a member of the prestigious order. Similar to the His Royal Highness honorific, they essentially become inactive.
He remains royalty and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he is also still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be overseas or ill. Although the palace has indicated that, in practice, he would not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement said the decision was made “following talks with the king”. It appears little doubt that, behind the scenes, the palace advocated for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would take legislative action, and would constitute such a historic move in full view of 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 a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically such as the child of the sovereign. This could only be altered if a royal decree was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The whole process could end up being drawn-out, meaning the goal of quickly addressing the matter – at least for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be met.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an effective loss of status he has resisted for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, despite rumoured attempts by the king to persuade his brother to relocate of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been shed on exactly how much funds Andrew has received due to his status, he continues to be a wealthy individual. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m from the sale of a property that had been a gift from the queen, for example.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless series of controversies involving Andrew has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email sent three months after he claimed to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with an alleged Chinese spy and, this week, extracts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged the prince “believed that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Moreover, the sovereign is due to undertake a significant trip 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 leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that visit to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Response?
Although he stated his sister had been “vindicated” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “true justice” to be done.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has also said the action is “too little, too late”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He should be divested of every honor and his military position and should face a criminal investigation. Not using archaic honors is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
