The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a statement released via the royal household, Prince Andrew has confirmed that he will be relinquishing his official honors, including the Duke of York. Below are the details of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Said?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has currently decided to “take additional measures” and consent not to use the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him.
But he also used the statement to emphatically rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of sexual impropriety made against him; albeit after settling millions to resolve the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has been ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy regarding the claims against Andrew – especially since his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect the royal family from additional harm caused by public speculation.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and the nation first.”
Additionally, although he consented not to use it, Andrew retains the dukedom, as well as the honors his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the His Royal Highness title, they are effectively dormant.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the king should he be abroad or unwell. However royal officials has made clear that, realistically, he would not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement indicated the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears highly likely that, behind the scenes, the royal household pushed for this in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a ducal title would take legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the public – it has not happened to a senior royal in over a century – that it would likely result in further harm to the image for the royals.
Andrew is also still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This could only be changed if a letters patent was issued by the king.
The whole process could end up being protracted, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an effective loss of status he has resisted for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade Andrew to relocate 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 due to 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 gift from his mother, for example.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless series of controversies related to the prince has proved intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines after it emerged Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in a message sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were reports about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, this week, excerpts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged the prince “thought that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the king is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the first English monarch 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 visit to be marred by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Was the Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “justified” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the action is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He ought to be divested of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
