The Reasons Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a statement issued by the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be giving up his official honors, including his dukedom. Here is an overview of what was announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Did Andrew Said?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “honor or the awards which have been granted to” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; even though having paid out millions to resolve the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution regarding the claims involving the prince – particularly after his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to safeguard 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 mere formality, it is significant in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to openly state to have acted honourably in defence of the crown. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my family and the nation first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, Andrew retains the dukedom, along with the honors his earldom and his barony and the prestigious position as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Like the HRH His Royal Highness honorific, they are effectively inactive.
He remains royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be abroad or ill. However the palace has made clear that, realistically, he would not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement said this choice was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears little doubt that, privately, the palace pushed for this in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the monarchy.
The prince remains a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he became as the son of a monarch. This would only be changed if a letters patent was issued by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure could end up being protracted, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an substantial reduction of standing he has resisted for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, despite rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade his brother to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been shed on exactly how much funds the prince has obtained due to his position, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he managed to raise £15m from the sale of a property that had been a wedding present from the queen, for example.
What Prompted This?
The continual series of controversies related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in a message sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
There have also been reports about his connections with an alleged Chinese spy and, recently, excerpts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “believed that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo next week, when he will become the initial British king since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Was the Response?
While he said his sister had been “vindicated” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has also said the action is “too little, too late”, noting: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He ought to be divested of all titles and his military position and should undergo a criminal investigation. Not using archaic honors is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
