Why Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a statement released via Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has declared he is relinquishing his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what was announced – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Announced?
After previously stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has currently chosen to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “honor or the honours which have been granted to” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the accusations of misconduct leveled at him; even though having paid out a substantial sum to settle the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy over the allegations involving the prince – especially since his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from additional harm caused by media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it holds importance in multiple ways: initially, it enables the prince to openly state to have behaved with integrity in support of the monarchy. As stated in his announcement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my family and country first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, the prince keeps the dukedom, as well as the honors the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the prestigious position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style honorific, they are effectively inactive.
He remains a prince and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the king should he be abroad or ill. However royal officials has made clear that, realistically, he would not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement said the decision was made “following talks with the king”. It appears highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for this in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would require an act of parliament, and would constitute such a historic move in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more reputational damage for the monarchy.
Andrew is also still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This could only be changed if a letters patent was enacted by the king.
The entire procedure might ultimately being drawn-out, meaning the goal of quickly addressing the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be achieved.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has resisted for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by his brother to encourage Andrew to move out of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on the precise amount of funds Andrew has received due to his position, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he was able to raise £15m by selling a home that had been a gift from the queen, for example.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless list of scandals related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in a message sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his association with a suspected intelligence operative and, recently, extracts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “believed that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Moreover, the king is due to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo soon, during which he will be the first English monarch 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 overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
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 divested of all titles and his navy rank and should undergo a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
