The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Official Honors – and What It Means for the Monarchy
In a statement released by the royal household, Prince Andrew has declared that he will be giving up his official honors, such as his dukedom. Below is an overview of what has been revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Did the Prince Said?
Having already stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “go a step further” and agree to refrain from using the “honor or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of sexual impropriety made against him; albeit after settling millions to settle the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution regarding the claims involving the prince – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to safeguard the royal family from additional harm resulting from media scrutiny.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And although this might be viewed as a mere formality, it holds importance in two respects: initially, it enables the prince to openly state to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As stated in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my relatives and country first.”
Second, although he consented not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, as well as the honors his earldom and his barony and the prestigious position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH His Royal Highness honorific, they are effectively dormant.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the king should he be overseas or unwell. Although the palace has made clear that, realistically, he would not be asked to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement indicated the decision was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems highly likely that, privately, the palace pushed for this in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a dukedom would require legislative action, and would represent such a historic move in full view of the public – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it could result in further harm to the image for the royals.
The prince remains 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 enacted by the king.
The entire procedure could end up being drawn-out, implying the goal of quickly addressing the matter – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an effective loss of standing he has resisted for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding reported efforts by the king to persuade Andrew to move out of the thirty-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been revealed about the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained as a result of his position, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he was able to raise £15m by selling a property that had been a wedding present from the queen, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless list of scandals involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in an email dispatched months after he claimed to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were stories about his association with an alleged 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 the prince “believed that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the king is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo soon, during which he will be the initial British king after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that visit to be marred by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Was the Reaction?
Although he stated his sister had been “vindicated” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that the prince's style ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has also said the move is “too little, too late”, adding: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He should be stripped of all titles and his military position and should face a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
