The Reasons Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Royal Honors – and What It Means for the Royal Family
In a announcement released via the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed he is giving up his official honors, such as his dukedom. Here are the details of what was revealed – and what wasn't.
What Has Andrew Announced?
After previously stepped down as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now decided to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “title or the honours which have been granted to” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the accusations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; even though having paid out millions to resolve the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied any claims of wrongdoing.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the allegations involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to protect the royal family from further damage caused by public speculation.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
No. And, while this might be viewed as a mere formality, it is significant in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the monarchy. As he said in his statement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Second, although he consented to abstain from using it, the prince keeps the dukedom, along with the honors his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style honorific, they are effectively dormant.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he is also still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be overseas or ill. Although the palace has made clear that, in practice, he would not be asked to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement said the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears little doubt that, behind the scenes, the royal household pushed for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a ducal title would take an act of parliament, and would represent an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not happened to a senior royal in over a century – that it would likely cause more harm to the image for the monarchy.
The prince remains a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he became such as the son of a monarch. This could only be changed if a royal decree was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure could end up being drawn-out, implying the goal of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an effective loss of status he has resisted for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by his brother to persuade Andrew to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on exactly how much funds Andrew has received due to his status, he remains a wealthy individual. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m by selling a home that had been a gift from the queen, for example.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless list of scandals related to the prince has proved intolerable for the king and other senior royals.
His association with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his association with a suspected intelligence operative and, this week, excerpts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the king is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that trip to be marred by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Was the Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “Andrew remains accused of sexual offences and abuse of office. He ought to be divested of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
