The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Surrendered His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a announcement issued via Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has confirmed he is giving up his official honors, such as the Duke of York. Below are the details of what was revealed – and what wasn't.
What Has Andrew Announced?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has currently chosen to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “title or the honours which have been granted to” him.
However, he employed the announcement to emphatically rejecting – as he has always done – the accusations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; albeit having paid out a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy over the claims involving the prince – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to safeguard his relatives from additional harm resulting from public speculation.
Has the King Removed Him of His Titles?
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 publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in support of the crown. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, 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 the dukedom, along with the honors his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH His Royal Highness title, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the sovereign if he is abroad or ill. However the palace has indicated that, in practice, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement said the decision was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems highly likely that, privately, the royal household pushed for this in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would take an act of parliament, and would constitute such a historic move in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it could result in further harm to the image for the royals.
The prince remains still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he became as the son of a monarch. This would only be altered if a letters patent was issued by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure might ultimately being protracted, meaning the goal of quickly addressing the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an effective loss of standing he has fought against for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade Andrew to move out of the thirty-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been shed on exactly how much money Andrew has received due to his position, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m from the sale of a home that had been a wedding present from the queen, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The continual series of controversies related to the prince has proved intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny after it emerged Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
There have also been stories about his association with a suspected Chinese spy and, recently, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the sovereign is due to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo soon, during which he will be 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 Andrew.
What Was the Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has also said the action is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “Andrew remains accused of sexual offences and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of all titles and his military position and should face a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
