The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Surrendered His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a announcement released via Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has confirmed he is giving up his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Here are the details of what has been revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Has the Prince Announced?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has currently decided to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of misconduct made against him; albeit after settling a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected all allegations of improper conduct.
There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy over the allegations against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to protect his relatives from additional harm caused by media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And although this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it is significant in two respects: initially, it enables the prince to openly state to have acted honourably in defence of the crown. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and the nation first.”
Second, although he consented not to use it, the prince keeps his ducal title, as well as the honors the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Like the HRH His Royal Highness honorific, they essentially become dormant.
He remains a prince and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he is also still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the king should he be abroad or unwell. However the palace has indicated that, in practice, he will not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement said the decision was made “following talks with the monarch”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the palace pushed for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a dukedom would take legislative action, and would represent such a historic move 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 royals.
The prince remains a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the child of the sovereign. This would only be altered if a letters patent was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The whole process might ultimately being drawn-out, meaning the objective of quickly addressing the matter – particularly for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Humiliation, likely above all. The statement represents an substantial reduction of standing he has resisted for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, despite rumoured attempts by the king to persuade his brother to move out of the thirty-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on exactly how much money the prince has obtained as a result of his position, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to secure ÂŁ15m by selling a property that had been a wedding present from the queen, as an instance.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless list of scandals involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the king and other senior royals.
His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny after it emerged Andrew had told 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 association with a suspected intelligence operative and, this week, extracts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed Andrew “thought that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is scheduled to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, during which he will be the initial British king after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Has Been the Reaction?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He ought to be divested of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a criminal investigation. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
