Why Prince Andrew Has Surrendered His Official Titles – and What It Means for the Royal Family
Through a statement issued via the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be giving up his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Here are the details of what was announced – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Said?
After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the honours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 rejecting – consistent with his past statements – 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 admitted no liability and strongly rejected all allegations of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution regarding the claims against Andrew – especially since his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard the royal family from further damage resulting from public speculation.
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 allows Andrew to openly state to have acted honourably in defence of the monarchy. As he said in his announcement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first.”
Additionally, although he consented to abstain from using it, the prince keeps the dukedom, along with the honors his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious Garter role as a member of the prestigious order. Similar to the royal style honorific, they are effectively inactive.
He remains royalty and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign if he is abroad or unwell. However the palace has made clear that, in practice, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “following talks with the king”. There seems little doubt that, privately, the palace advocated for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a dukedom would take legislative action, and would represent such a historic move publicly before the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it could result in further harm to the image for the royals.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he became as the child of the sovereign. This would only be changed if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The entire procedure could end up being drawn-out, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – may not be achieved.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has resisted for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by the king to persuade Andrew to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property 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 remains a person of means. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m from the sale of a home that had been a wedding present from his mother, as an instance.
Why Now?
The continual series of controversies related to the prince has become unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines following revelations that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in a message sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were reports about his connections with a suspected Chinese spy and, this week, extracts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Moreover, the sovereign is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the initial British king after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that trip to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Has Been the Response?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be done.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual offences and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should face a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
