Through a statement released via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has declared that he will be relinquishing his official honors, such as his dukedom. Here are the details of what has been announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Did Andrew Announced?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has currently chosen to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also used the statement to emphatically rejecting – as he has always done – the accusations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; even though having paid out a substantial sum to settle the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of wrongdoing.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the allegations involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to safeguard his relatives from further damage caused by public speculation.
Has the King Removed Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it holds importance in two respects: first, it allows Andrew to openly state to have behaved with integrity in support of the crown. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my relatives and the nation first.”
Additionally, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains his ducal title, as well as the titles his earldom and his barony and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style title, they essentially become dormant.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he is also still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the sovereign if he is abroad or unwell. However royal officials 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 “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems little doubt 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 legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before the public – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more harm to the image for the royals.
The prince remains still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he became such as the son of a monarch. This would only be changed if a letters patent was issued by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure could end up being drawn-out, meaning the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has resisted for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to persuade his brother to relocate of the thirty-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been shed on the precise amount of funds Andrew has received due to his status, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he was able to raise £15m from the sale of a home that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless series of controversies involving Andrew has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His association with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines following revelations Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in a message dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with an alleged Chinese spy and, this week, extracts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed the prince “believed that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Moreover, the sovereign is due to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo soon, during which he will be the initial British king after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the action is “too little, too late”, noting: “Andrew remains accused of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be stripped of all titles and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Not using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
