The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Royal Honors – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a announcement released by the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be giving up his official honors, such as the Duke of York. Here is an overview of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Announced?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him.
But he also used the statement to emphatically rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; albeit having paid out a substantial sum to resolve the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the claims involving the prince – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect his relatives from further damage caused by media scrutiny.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Honors?
No. And although this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in multiple ways: first, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the monarchy. As he said in his statement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, the prince keeps his ducal title, along with the honors his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style title, they are effectively inactive.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the king should he be overseas or ill. Although royal officials has made clear that, in practice, he will not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “following talks with the king”. There seems highly likely that, privately, the palace pushed for this in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a ducal title would take legislative action, and would constitute such a historic move publicly before the public – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely result in further harm to the image for the monarchy.
Andrew is also still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he became as the son of a monarch. This would only be changed if a royal decree was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The whole process might ultimately being protracted, meaning the objective of quickly addressing the issue – particularly for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, likely above all. The statement represents an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding reported efforts by the king to encourage his brother to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been shed on the precise amount of money Andrew has received due to his position, he remains a wealthy individual. In 2007, he managed to raise £15m from the sale of a property that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.
What Prompted This?
The continual series of controversies related to the prince has become intolerable for the king and other senior royals.
His friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines after it emerged Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in a message sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, this week, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Has Been the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He ought to be stripped of all titles and his military position and should face a criminal investigation. Not using archaic honors is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
