The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Official Honors – and What It Means for the Monarchy
In a announcement released via the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be relinquishing his official honors, including his dukedom. Below are the details of what was announced – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Announced?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now decided to “go a step further” and agree to refrain from using the “honor or the awards which have been granted to” him.
But he also employed the announcement to emphatically rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of misconduct leveled at him; albeit having paid out a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct.
There has been persistent pressure toward the royal institution over the claims involving the prince – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to safeguard his relatives from additional harm resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it holds importance in multiple ways: initially, it allows Andrew to openly state to have acted honourably in support of the monarchy. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and the nation first.”
Additionally, although he consented not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, along with the honors his earldom and his barony and the prestigious position as a member 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 the line of succession. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign if he is abroad or unwell. Although royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he would not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement indicated the decision was made “following talks with the king”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the palace pushed for this in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a ducal title would require legislative action, and would represent such a historic move in full view of the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it would likely cause more harm to the image for the royals.
The prince remains still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This would only be altered if a letters patent was issued by the reigning monarch.
The whole process might ultimately being drawn-out, meaning the goal of swiftly resolving the matter – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – 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 fought against for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by the king to persuade his brother to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been shed on the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained due to his status, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he was able to secure £15m by selling a home that had been a gift from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless list of scandals related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the king and other senior royals.
His association with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in a message dispatched months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
There have also been stories about his association with an alleged Chinese spy and, recently, extracts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged Andrew “thought that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the king is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, during which he will be 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 would not desire that visit to be marred by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Was the Response?
Although he stated his sister had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican campaign group Republic has also said the action is “too little, too late”, noting: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of all titles and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
