Why Prince Andrew Has Surrendered His Royal Titles – and What It Means for the Monarchy
Through a statement issued via the royal household, the king's brother has declared that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Here is an overview of what was revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Did the Prince Announced?
After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has now decided to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “honor or the awards which have been granted to” him.
But he also employed the announcement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the allegations of sexual impropriety made against him; even though having paid out millions to resolve the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected all allegations of improper conduct.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the allegations involving the prince – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to protect his relatives from further damage caused by media scrutiny.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: first, it allows Andrew to openly state to have acted honourably in defence of the crown. As stated in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and the nation first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, Andrew retains his ducal title, along with the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as a member of the prestigious order. Similar to the royal style title, they are effectively inactive.
He remains royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the sovereign should he be overseas or ill. However the palace has made clear that, in practice, he would not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement indicated this choice was made “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems highly likely that, behind the scenes, the royal household advocated for this in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would require legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the public – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it could result in further harm to the image for the royals.
Andrew is also still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This would only be changed if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The whole process might ultimately being protracted, meaning the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be met.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, despite rumoured attempts by his brother to encourage his brother to move out of the 30-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about exactly how much funds Andrew has received as a result of his position, he continues to be a wealthy individual. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m by selling a home that had been a gift from the queen, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The continual series of controversies involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His association 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 a message sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
There have also been stories about his association with an alleged intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts 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 birthright”.
Moreover, the king is due to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the initial British king after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that trip to be marred by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Was the Reaction?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The republican campaign group Republic has additionally stated the action is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual offences and abuse of office. He ought to be divested of all titles and his military position and should undergo a criminal investigation. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
