Why Prince Andrew Has Surrendered His Royal Honors – and the Implications for the Royal Family
In a statement released via the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed he is giving up his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Here is an overview of what has been revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Did Andrew Said?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now decided to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he employed the announcement to make a point of rejecting – as he has always done – the allegations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; even though having paid out a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected all allegations of improper conduct.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy 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 resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in defence of the crown. As stated in his announcement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to put my duty to my relatives and the nation first.”
Second, although he consented not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, along with the titles the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the prestigious position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style title, they essentially become dormant.
He remains a prince and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the king should he be overseas or ill. However the palace has indicated that, in practice, he will 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 monarch”. There seems little doubt that, privately, the palace advocated for this in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a ducal title would require an act of parliament, and would represent such a historic move in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it would likely cause more reputational damage for the monarchy.
The prince remains still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically as the child of the sovereign. This could only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The whole process might ultimately being protracted, meaning the goal of quickly addressing the matter – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be achieved.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an substantial reduction of status he has resisted for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade his brother to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about exactly how much money Andrew has received as a result of his status, he remains a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he managed to secure £15m by selling a home that had been a gift from his mother, for example.
What Prompted This?
The continual list of scandals involving Andrew has become unacceptable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were reports about his connections with a suspected Chinese spy and, recently, excerpts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed Andrew “believed that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Moreover, the sovereign is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff next week, when he will become the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that visit to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Was the Response?
Although he stated 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 done.
The republican campaign group Republic has additionally stated the action is “too little, too late”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual offences and misuse of position. He ought to be divested of every honor and his navy rank and should face a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
