Why Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Monarchy
Through a statement issued via Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has declared that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Here is an overview of what was announced – and what wasn't.
What Has Andrew Said?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “go a step further” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him.
However, he employed the announcement to make a point of rejecting – as he has always done – the accusations of misconduct leveled at him; albeit after settling a substantial sum to settle the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct.
There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy over the claims involving the prince – especially since his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to safeguard his relatives from further damage caused by public speculation.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles?
No. And although this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it is significant in multiple ways: first, it allows Andrew to openly state to have behaved with integrity in support of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Second, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, as well as the honors his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Like the HRH His Royal Highness title, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the king if he is abroad or ill. However royal officials has made clear that, in practice, he will not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement said the decision was made “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace advocated for this in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would require legislative action, and would represent an unprecedented step in full view of the public – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely cause more reputational damage for the monarchy.
Andrew is also still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he became such as the son of a monarch. This could only be changed if a letters patent was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The whole process might ultimately being drawn-out, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – particularly for the monarchy's interests – may not be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an effective loss of status he has fought against for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by the king to persuade his brother to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been shed on exactly how much funds the prince has obtained due to his status, he continues to be a wealthy individual. In 2007, he managed to raise £15m from the sale of a property that had been a wedding present from the queen, as an instance.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless list of scandals related to the prince has become unacceptable for the king and other senior royals.
His friendship with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, this week, extracts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “thought that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the king is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, during which he will be the initial British king since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that trip to be marred by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Has Been the Response?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He ought to be divested of every honor and his military position and should face a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
