The Reasons Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a announcement issued via the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed he is relinquishing his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Here are the details of what has been revealed – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Said?
Having already stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “honor or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; albeit after settling millions to settle the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct.
There has been 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 that his actions are to protect his relatives from further damage resulting from public speculation.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Titles?
No. And, while this might be viewed as a mere formality, it holds importance in two respects: first, it allows Andrew to openly state 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 his ducal title, along with the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as a member of the prestigious order. Similar to the royal style honorific, they are effectively dormant.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign if he is overseas or ill. Although royal officials has made clear that, realistically, he will not be asked to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement said the decision was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems highly likely that, privately, the palace pushed for this in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take an act of parliament, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not happened to a senior 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 was automatically as the son of a monarch. This would only be altered if a letters patent was enacted by the king.
The whole process could end up being protracted, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has resisted for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by the king to encourage Andrew to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been revealed about the precise amount of funds Andrew has received as a result of his status, he remains a person of means. Back in 2007, he managed to raise £15m from the sale of a property that had been a gift from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The continual list of scandals related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines after it emerged Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in a message sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
There have also been reports about his association with an alleged Chinese spy and, recently, excerpts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged Andrew “believed that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the sovereign is due 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 worship openly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that visit to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Has Been the Reaction?
Although he stated his sister had been “justified” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual offences and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of every honor and his military position and should undergo a criminal investigation. Not using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
