The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a statement issued via the royal household, Prince Andrew has confirmed he is giving up his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Here are the details of what was announced – and what wasn't.
What Has Andrew Said?
After previously stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “go a step further” and consent not to use the “honor or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of 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 brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has existed persistent pressure on the monarchy regarding 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 Stripped Him of His Titles?
No. And, while this might be viewed as a mere formality, it holds importance in multiple ways: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As stated in his announcement: “I have decided, 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, as well as the titles the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the prestigious Garter role as a member of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style title, they essentially become dormant.
He remains royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the king if he is abroad or unwell. However royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he would not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, privately, the palace pushed for this in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would take legislative action, and would represent such a historic move publicly before the public – it has not occurred 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. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically 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, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – particularly for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be met.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The statement represents an substantial reduction of standing he has resisted for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite rumoured attempts by the king to persuade Andrew to move out of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been revealed about exactly how much money the prince has obtained as a result of his position, he remains a wealthy individual. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m by selling a home that had been a wedding present from the queen, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The continual list of scandals involving Andrew has become unacceptable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in a message dispatched months after he claimed to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were stories about his association with a suspected Chinese spy and, this week, extracts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged Andrew “thought that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the king is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo soon, during which he will be the initial British king since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that trip to be marred by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Has Been the Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the action is “too little, too late”, adding: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be stripped of all titles and his military position and should face a criminal investigation. Not using archaic honors is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
