Why Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Royal Honors – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a statement issued via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has confirmed he is relinquishing his official honors, including his dukedom. Here is an overview of what has been revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Has Andrew Announced?
After previously stepped down as a working royal in 2019, the prince has currently decided to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “title or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also used the statement to emphatically denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of misconduct made against him; even though having paid out a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has been ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy regarding the claims against Andrew – especially since his ill-fated Newsnight interview 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 Removed Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it allows Andrew to openly state to have acted honourably in defence of the crown. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains the dukedom, as well as the honors his earldom and his barony and the prestigious position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style honorific, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he is also still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be overseas or unwell. However the palace has made clear that, realistically, he would not be asked to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement indicated the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears little doubt that, behind the scenes, the royal household advocated for the move in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would take an act of parliament, and would represent an unprecedented step in full view of the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in more than 100 years – 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 was automatically as the son of a monarch. This could only be changed if a royal decree was issued by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure could end up being drawn-out, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Humiliation, likely above all. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has resisted for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, 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 exactly how much funds the prince has obtained as a result of his status, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he managed to raise £15m by selling a home that had been a wedding present from the queen, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless series of controversies related to the prince has become intolerable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines following revelations that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with a suspected Chinese spy and, recently, extracts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed Andrew “thought that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the sovereign is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the initial British king since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Has Been the Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that the prince's style ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has also said the action is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be divested of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a criminal investigation. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
