Why Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a statement issued via the royal household, the king's brother has declared that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Below are the details of what was announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Has Andrew Said?
After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has currently chosen to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he employed the announcement to emphatically denying – as he has always done – the allegations of misconduct leveled at him; albeit having paid out millions to settle the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed persistent pressure toward the royal institution regarding the allegations against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect the royal family from further damage resulting from public speculation.
Has the King Removed Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: first, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in support of the crown. As he said in his announcement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, the prince keeps his ducal title, along with the honors the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as a member of the prestigious order. Similar to the royal style honorific, they are effectively inactive.
He remains royalty and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the king should he be overseas or ill. However the palace has made clear that, in practice, he would not be asked to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement said the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. There seems highly likely that, privately, the palace pushed for the move in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take an act of parliament, and would represent an unprecedented step publicly before the public – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more reputational damage for the royals.
The prince remains a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he became such as the child of the sovereign. This would only be changed if a letters patent was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure could end up being protracted, meaning the goal of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an effective loss of status he has resisted for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by the king to encourage Andrew to relocate of the thirty-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on the precise amount of money Andrew has received due to his position, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to raise £15m from the sale of a property that had been a wedding present from his mother, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless list of scandals involving Andrew has become intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in an email sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged Andrew “thought that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the sovereign is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the initial British king after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that visit to be marred by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Was the Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that the prince's style 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: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He ought to be divested of every honor and his navy rank and should face a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
