The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Surrendered His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a announcement released via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has declared that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, including his dukedom. Below is an overview of what has been revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Did Andrew Announced?
After previously stepped down as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has currently chosen to “take additional measures” and consent not to use the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of misconduct made against him; albeit having paid out millions to settle the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of wrongdoing.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution regarding the claims against Andrew – particularly after his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from additional harm caused by public speculation.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in multiple ways: first, it allows Andrew to openly state to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As stated in his announcement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my relatives and country first.”
Second, although he consented not to use it, the prince keeps his ducal title, along with the honors his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Like the HRH royal style title, they are effectively dormant.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he is also still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be abroad or ill. However the palace has indicated that, in practice, he would not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement indicated the decision was made “following talks with the monarch”. It appears highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace advocated for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would take legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before the nation – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it would likely cause more harm to the image for the royals.
The prince remains still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he became such as the son of a monarch. This would only be changed if a letters patent was issued by the king.
The whole process might ultimately being drawn-out, meaning the goal of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Humiliation, likely above all. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has resisted for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by the king to encourage Andrew to relocate of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on the precise amount of money the prince has obtained due to his position, he remains a wealthy individual. In 2007, he was able to raise £15m from the sale of a home that had been a gift from his mother, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The continual series of controversies involving Andrew has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted 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 subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with a suspected intelligence operative and, this week, extracts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed the prince “believed that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the king is due to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the first English monarch since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that visit to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
Although he stated his sister had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “true justice” to be done.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has also said the action is “too little, too late”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be divested of every honor and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
