The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
Through a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has declared that he will be relinquishing his official honors, such as the Duke of York. Here are the details of what was announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Did Andrew Said?
After previously stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of rejecting – as he has always done – the accusations of misconduct leveled at him; albeit after settling a substantial sum to resolve the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied all allegations of improper conduct.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy regarding the claims against Andrew – especially since his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to protect the royal family from further damage caused by media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: initially, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As he said in his statement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to put my duty to my relatives and the nation first.”
Additionally, although he consented not to use it, the prince keeps his ducal title, as well as the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Similar to the royal style title, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the king should he be abroad or unwell. Although the palace has made clear that, realistically, he would not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement said the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. There seems highly likely that, privately, the royal household pushed for this in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a dukedom would take 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 result in further harm to the image for the royals.
The prince remains still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the child of the sovereign. This would only be changed if a royal decree was enacted by the king.
The whole process might ultimately being drawn-out, meaning the objective of quickly addressing the issue – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The announcement signifies an effective loss of standing he has fought against for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by the king to persuade Andrew to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on exactly how much money the prince has obtained as a result of his status, he continues to be a person of means. In 2007, he managed to raise £15m by selling a property that had been a wedding present from the queen, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless series of controversies involving Andrew has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines following revelations that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in an email sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were reports about his association with a suspected intelligence operative and, this week, excerpts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is due to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo soon, when he will become the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Was the Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “justified” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican campaign group Republic has additionally stated the action is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of every honor and his military position and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
