Why Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
Through a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be giving up his official honors, including the Duke of York. Here are the details of what has been announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Did Andrew Announced?
After previously stepped down as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “title or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also employed the announcement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the allegations of misconduct made against him; even though after settling a substantial sum to resolve the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has been ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy over the claims against Andrew – especially since his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard the royal family from further damage resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it is significant in multiple ways: first, it enables the prince to openly state to have behaved with integrity in support of the monarchy. As he said in his announcement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.”
Second, although he consented not to use it, Andrew retains the dukedom, along with the honors his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the His Royal Highness title, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the king if he is abroad or unwell. Although royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he would not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement said this choice was made “following talks with the king”. It appears little doubt that, privately, the royal household pushed for the move in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a ducal title would take legislative action, and would represent such a historic move in full view of the public – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more reputational damage for the monarchy.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he became such as the child of the sovereign. This could only be changed if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The whole process might ultimately being protracted, meaning the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an effective loss of standing he has fought against for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to persuade Andrew to relocate of the 30-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained due to his position, he continues to be a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless series of controversies related to the prince has become unacceptable for the king and other senior royals.
His association with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email sent three months after he claimed to have ended communication.
There have also been stories about his association with a suspected intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged the prince “thought that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the king is scheduled to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo soon, when he will become the initial British king since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Response?
Although he stated his sister had been “vindicated” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “true justice” to be done.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of all titles and his military position and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
