The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Royal Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a statement released via the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed he is relinquishing his official honors, such as the Duke of York. Below are the details of what has been announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Did Andrew Announced?
Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has currently chosen to “go a step further” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been granted to” him.
But he also employed the announcement to make a point of rejecting – as he has always done – the accusations of sexual impropriety made against him; even though having paid out a substantial sum to settle the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of improper conduct.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy regarding the allegations against Andrew – especially since his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to safeguard his relatives from further damage resulting from public speculation.
Has the King Removed Him of His Honors?
No. 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 crown. As stated in his statement: “I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first.”
Second, while he has agreed not to use it, the prince keeps the dukedom, along with the honors the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Similar to the royal style title, they are effectively dormant.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the sovereign if he is abroad or unwell. Although the palace has made clear that, in practice, he would not be asked to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement said the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for this in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would require legislative action, and would represent an unprecedented step publicly before the nation – it has not happened 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 was automatically as the child of the sovereign. This could only be changed if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The entire procedure could end up being drawn-out, implying the goal of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The announcement signifies an effective loss of status he has resisted for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by his brother to encourage his brother to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been revealed about the precise amount of money the prince has obtained due to his position, he continues to be a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he managed 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 child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines following revelations that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in an email sent three months after he claimed to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with an alleged Chinese spy and, recently, excerpts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed the prince “believed that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the king is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the first English monarch since Henry VIII 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 overshadowed by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Has Been the Reaction?
While he said Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has additionally stated the move is “too little, too late”, adding: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He ought to be divested of every honor and his navy rank and should face a legal probe. Not using archaic honors is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”