The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and What It Means for the Monarchy
Through a statement issued via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has confirmed that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what was revealed – and what wasn't.
What Did the Prince Said?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now decided to “go a step further” and agree to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he employed the announcement to emphatically rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; albeit having paid out a substantial sum to resolve the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected all allegations of improper conduct.
There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy over the allegations involving the prince – especially since his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to safeguard the royal family from further damage resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
No. And although this might be viewed as a mere formality, it is significant in two respects: first, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in defence of the monarchy. As he said in his announcement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Second, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, the prince keeps his ducal title, as well as the honors his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as a member of the prestigious order. Similar to the His Royal Highness title, they essentially become dormant.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he is also still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the king if he is abroad or unwell. Although the palace has made clear that, in practice, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for the move in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a ducal title would require an act of parliament, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more reputational damage for the monarchy.
Andrew is also still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This could only be changed if a letters patent was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure might ultimately being protracted, meaning the goal of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be met.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Humiliation, likely above all. 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, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by the king to encourage his brother to relocate of the thirty-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been shed on exactly how much money Andrew has received due to his status, he continues to be a person of means. In 2007, he was able to raise £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from the queen, as an instance.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless list of scandals related to the prince has become unacceptable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in a message dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with a suspected intelligence operative and, this week, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the king is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo 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 pope and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that trip to be marred by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Has Been the Reaction?
Although he stated his sister had been “vindicated” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be done.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be stripped of every honor and his military position and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
