Why Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and What It Means for the Royal Family
Through a announcement released by the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be giving up his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Here are the details of what was revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Has Andrew Said?
After previously stepped down as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “honor or the honours which have been granted to” him.
However, he employed the announcement 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 civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy regarding the claims involving the prince – particularly after his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard his relatives from further damage caused by media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And, while this might be viewed as a mere formality, it is significant in two respects: initially, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have acted honourably in defence of the crown. As he said in his announcement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and the nation first.”
Additionally, although he consented not to use it, the prince keeps the dukedom, along with the titles his earldom and his barony and the esteemed position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style honorific, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be a prince 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 indicated that, in practice, he would not be asked to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement indicated the decision was made “following talks with the monarch”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the royal household pushed for this in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would require legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it would likely 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 changed if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The whole process could end up being protracted, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be achieved.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has resisted for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to encourage his brother to relocate of the 30-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been shed on exactly how much funds the prince has obtained as a result of his status, he remains a person of means. Back in 2007, he managed to raise £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from the queen, for example.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless list of scandals related to the prince has become intolerable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in a message 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, extracts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged Andrew “thought that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is scheduled to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, during which he will be the initial British king after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Was the Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “true justice” to be done.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has also said the action is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He ought to be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
