Why Prince Andrew Has Surrendered His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a announcement issued via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has confirmed he is giving up his official honors, such as his dukedom. Here is an overview of what was announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Did Andrew Said?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “go a step further” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the awards which have been granted to”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.
But he also employed the announcement to emphatically rejecting – as he has always done – the accusations of sexual impropriety made against him; albeit having paid out millions to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has been ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy regarding the allegations against Andrew – particularly after his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to protect his relatives from further damage resulting from public speculation.
Has the King Removed Him of His Honors?
No. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to openly state to have behaved with integrity in defence of the crown. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my family and the nation first.”
Second, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, the prince keeps the dukedom, as well as the honors his earldom and his barony and the prestigious position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the His Royal Highness honorific, they are effectively inactive.
He remains a prince and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he is also still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the king should he be abroad or ill. Although royal officials has made clear that, realistically, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement indicated the decision was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems highly likely that, privately, the palace pushed for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a ducal title would require an act of parliament, and would represent such a historic move in full view of the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the royals.
The prince remains still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he became as the child of the sovereign. This could only be changed if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The whole process could end up being drawn-out, meaning the goal of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an effective loss of standing he has resisted for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by the king to encourage Andrew to move out of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been shed on exactly how much money Andrew has received due to his status, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he managed to raise £15m by selling a home that had been a wedding present from the queen, as an instance.
Why Now?
The continual list of scandals involving Andrew has become unacceptable for the king and other senior royals.
His association with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in a message dispatched months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
There have also been stories about his connections with an alleged Chinese spy and, recently, excerpts appeared 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”.
Furthermore, the king is due to make a historic visit to see the pontiff next week, when he will become the first English monarch since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. 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 decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed the Times that the prince's style ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The republican campaign group Republic has also said the move is “too little, too late”, noting: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be stripped of all titles and his navy rank and should undergo a criminal investigation. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
