The Reasons Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Official Titles – and What It Means for the Monarchy
Through a statement issued by the royal household, Prince Andrew has confirmed that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Here are the details of what has been revealed – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Announced?
After previously stepped down as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has currently chosen to “go a step further” and consent not to use the “honor or the honours which have been granted to” him.
However, he used the statement to emphatically denying – as he has always done – the allegations of misconduct made against him; even though after settling millions to settle the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied any claims of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy over the claims against Andrew – especially since his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect his relatives from additional harm resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Titles?
No. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, 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 announcement: “I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and the nation first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, the prince keeps his ducal title, as well as the honors his earldom and his barony and the esteemed position as a member of the prestigious order. Like the HRH royal style title, they essentially become dormant.
He remains a prince 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 unwell. However royal officials has made clear that, in practice, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement said the decision was made “in discussion with the monarch”. It appears highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a ducal title would take legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the public – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more reputational damage for the monarchy.
The prince remains a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This could only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The whole process could end up being protracted, meaning the objective of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an effective loss of standing he has fought against for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by his brother to encourage his brother to move out of the 30-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about the precise amount of funds Andrew has received due to his status, he continues to be 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 seemingly endless list of scandals involving Andrew has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines following revelations Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in an email sent three months after he claimed to have ended communication.
There have also been stories about his connections with an alleged Chinese spy and, this week, excerpts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed the prince “believed that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the king is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo soon, when he will become the initial British king since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Has Been the Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the action is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual offences and misuse of position. He should be stripped of all titles and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Not using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
