The Reasons Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Official Titles – and What It Means for the Royal Family
Through a statement issued via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has declared he is giving up his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Below 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Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now decided to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been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 allegations of misconduct leveled at him; even though having paid out millions to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected all allegations of improper conduct.
There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy over the claims involving the prince – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard his relatives from additional harm caused by public speculation.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
No. And, while this might be viewed as a mere formality, it is significant in two respects: first, it enables the prince to openly state to have acted honourably in defence of the monarchy. As he said in his announcement: “I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and the nation first.”
Second, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, Andrew retains his ducal title, as well as the titles his earldom and his barony and the esteemed Garter role 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 still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the sovereign if he is abroad or ill. Although the palace has made clear that, realistically, he would not be asked to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement said the decision was made “in discussion with the monarch”. It appears little doubt that, privately, the palace pushed for the move in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would take an act of parliament, and would represent an unprecedented step publicly before the nation – it has not happened to a senior royal in over a century – that it would likely cause more harm to the image 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 would only be altered if a letters patent was issued by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure could end up being drawn-out, meaning the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – particularly for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an effective loss of standing he has resisted for years.
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 revealed about the precise amount of funds Andrew has received due to his position, he remains a wealthy individual. Back 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 continual list of scandals involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines following revelations that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in an email dispatched months after he claimed to have ended communication.
There have also been stories about his connections with a suspected Chinese spy and, recently, extracts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged the prince “thought that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the king is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff next week, when he will become the first English monarch since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that trip to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Has Been the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “vindicated” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “true justice” to be done.
The republican campaign group Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual misconduct 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 archaic honors is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
