The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Surrendered His Royal Honors – and the Implications for the Royal Family
In a announcement released via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has declared he is relinquishing his official honors, such as his dukedom. Here is an overview of what has been announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Did Andrew Said?
Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has now decided to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “honor or the awards which have been granted to” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of rejecting – as he has always done – the allegations of sexual impropriety made against him; albeit after settling a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy over the allegations involving the prince – especially since his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to protect 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 simple procedure, it holds importance in multiple ways: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in support of the crown. As stated in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and the nation first.”
Second, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains his ducal title, as well as the honors the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style title, they are effectively dormant.
He remains royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be overseas or ill. However royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he would not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the royal household advocated for this in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a ducal title would take an act of parliament, and would represent an unprecedented step in full view of the public – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more reputational damage for the royals.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the child of the sovereign. This could only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The whole process could end up being drawn-out, meaning the goal of quickly addressing the issue – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be met.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an effective loss of status he has resisted for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to persuade his brother to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been revealed about the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained as a result of his status, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m by selling a home that had been a gift from his mother, for example.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless series of controversies involving Andrew has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in a message sent three months after he claimed to have ended communication.
There have also been stories about his association with an alleged Chinese spy and, recently, excerpts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged the prince “believed that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the king is due to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff soon, during which he will be the first English monarch since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that visit to be marred by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Has Been the Response?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told 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 facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He ought to be stripped of all titles and his navy rank and should face a legal probe. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
