Why Prince Andrew Has Surrendered His Royal Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
Through a statement released via the royal household, the king's brother has declared he is giving up his royal titles, including his dukedom. Here is an overview of what has been revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Did Andrew Announced?
After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has currently chosen to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “honor or the awards which have been granted to” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of misconduct made against him; even though after settling a substantial sum to resolve the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of wrongdoing.
There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy over the claims against Andrew – especially since his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect the royal family from further damage resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
No. And although this might be viewed as a mere formality, it is significant in two respects: first, it allows Andrew to openly state to have behaved with integrity in defence of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.”
Additionally, although he consented to abstain from using it, the prince keeps his ducal title, along with the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as a member of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the His Royal Highness title, they essentially become inactive.
He remains royalty and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the sovereign should he be overseas or unwell. Although the palace has made clear that, realistically, he would not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement indicated this choice was made “in discussion with the king”. There seems highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace advocated for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take legislative action, and would represent such a historic move in full view of the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it could cause more reputational damage for the monarchy.
The prince remains still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the child of the sovereign. This would only be changed if a royal decree was issued by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure might ultimately being protracted, implying the goal of swiftly resolving the matter – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – may not be achieved.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Humiliation, likely above all. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by his brother to encourage Andrew to relocate of the 30-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been shed on the precise amount of money Andrew has received as a result of his status, he continues to be a wealthy individual. In 2007, he was able to secure £15m from the sale of a home that had been a wedding present from the queen, for example.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless series of controversies related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in an email sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
There have also been stories about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, recently, extracts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “thought that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Moreover, the sovereign 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 pope and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that trip to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Has Been the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “justified” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has also said the action is “too little, too late”, noting: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual offences and misuse of position. He should be divested of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”