The Reasons Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Royal Honors – and What It Means for the Royal Family
In a statement released via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has confirmed that he will be giving up his official honors, such as the Duke of York. Here are the details of what has been announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Has Andrew Said?
Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has now decided to “go a step further” and consent not to use the “honor or the awards which have been granted to” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; albeit after settling a substantial sum to resolve the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed persistent pressure toward the royal institution regarding the claims against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to safeguard his relatives from additional harm resulting from public speculation.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
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 crown. As stated in his announcement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and the nation first.”
Second, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, Andrew retains the dukedom, along with the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as a member of the prestigious order. Like the HRH His Royal Highness title, they are effectively inactive.
He remains royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the king if he is abroad or unwell. Although the palace has indicated that, in practice, he would not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement indicated this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the royal household pushed for this in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would take legislative action, and would constitute such a historic move in full view of the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely cause more reputational damage for the monarchy.
Andrew is also still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he became such as the son of a monarch. This would only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure might ultimately being protracted, implying the goal of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has resisted for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, despite rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade his brother to relocate of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been revealed about the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained due to his position, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he managed to raise £15m by selling a property that had been a wedding present from his mother, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The continual series of controversies related to the prince has become intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny after it emerged Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in an email sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with an alleged Chinese spy and, recently, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “thought that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the king is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo next week, when he will become the initial British king after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Has Been the Response?
Although he stated his sister had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican campaign group Republic has additionally stated the action is “too little, too late”, noting: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be stripped of all titles and his navy rank and should undergo a criminal investigation. Not using archaic honors is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
