Why Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a announcement issued by the royal household, Prince Andrew has declared that he will be relinquishing his official honors, such as his dukedom. Below are the details of what was revealed – and what wasn't.
What Did the Prince Announced?
After previously stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has currently decided to “take additional measures” and consent not to use the “honor or the awards which have been granted to” him.
However, he used the statement to emphatically rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of misconduct leveled at him; even though after settling a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied any claims of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the claims involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard the royal family from additional harm caused by public speculation.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles?
No. And although this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: first, it allows Andrew to openly state to have behaved with integrity in support of the monarchy. As he said in his statement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my family and country first.”
Second, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains the dukedom, along with the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious Garter role as a member of the prestigious order. Similar to the His Royal Highness title, they are effectively inactive.
He remains royalty and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize 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.
Nonetheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement said this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, privately, the palace advocated for this in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take legislative action, and would represent such a historic move publicly before the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it could result in further reputational damage for the monarchy.
Andrew is also still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he became such as the child of the sovereign. This would only be changed if a letters patent was issued by the king.
The entire procedure might ultimately being protracted, implying the goal of quickly addressing the matter – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – may not be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an effective loss of standing he has fought against for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade his brother to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been revealed about exactly how much money the prince has obtained as a result of his status, he continues to be a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m from the sale of a property that had been a wedding present from his mother, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless list of scandals involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines following revelations that the prince stated to 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 connections with an alleged Chinese spy and, this week, excerpts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed the prince “thought that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is due to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff next week, when he will become the initial British king since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Has Been the Reaction?
Although he stated his sister had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The republican campaign group Republic has also said the action is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be stripped of all titles and his military position and should undergo a criminal investigation. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”