Why Prince Andrew Has Surrendered His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a announcement issued via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has confirmed he is giving up his official honors, such as his dukedom. Here is an overview of what was revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Has the Prince Announced?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “honor or the honours which have been granted to” him.
But he also employed the announcement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of sexual impropriety made against him; even though having paid out millions to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct.
There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy regarding the allegations involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect his relatives from additional harm caused by media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Titles?
No. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in multiple ways: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in support of the crown. As stated in his announcement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and the nation first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, the prince keeps his ducal title, along with the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious Garter role as a member of the prestigious order. Like the HRH His Royal Highness honorific, they essentially become dormant.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he is also still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the king should he be abroad or unwell. Although the palace has made clear that, in practice, he will not be asked to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement said the decision was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the royal household pushed for this in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a dukedom would take an act of parliament, and would constitute such a historic move publicly before the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it would likely cause more reputational damage for the royals.
Andrew is also still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically such as the child of the sovereign. This would only be changed if a letters patent was issued by the king.
The entire procedure might ultimately being protracted, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an substantial reduction of status he has resisted for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by the king to encourage Andrew to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on the precise amount of funds Andrew has received due to his status, he continues to be a person of means. 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 seemingly endless series of controversies related to the prince has proved intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with an alleged Chinese spy and, this week, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged the prince “believed that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is due to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo next week, during which he will be the first English monarch since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church 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 Andrew.
What Was the Response?
Although he stated Giuffre 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 achieved.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has also said the action is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “Andrew remains facing allegations 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 fits the offences.”
