The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Official Honors – and What It Means for the Royal Family
Through a statement released via Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has declared he is giving up his official honors, such as his dukedom. Below is an overview of what has been revealed – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Said?
Having already stepped down as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “go a step further” and consent not to use the “honor or the awards which have been granted to” him.
But he also employed the announcement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the allegations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; albeit having paid out millions to settle the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has existed persistent pressure toward the royal institution over the allegations involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect his relatives from further damage 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 is significant in two respects: first, it enables the prince to openly state to have behaved with integrity in defence of the crown. As stated in his announcement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Second, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, as well as the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style honorific, they are effectively inactive.
He remains royalty and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he is also still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be abroad or unwell. However the palace has made clear that, realistically, he would not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the royal household advocated for the move in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would require an act of parliament, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more reputational damage 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 altered if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The whole process might ultimately being drawn-out, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement signifies an effective loss of status he has resisted for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by the king to persuade his brother to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been revealed about exactly how much funds the prince has obtained due to his status, he continues to be a person of means. In 2007, he managed to raise £15m by selling a home that had been a wedding present from the queen, as an instance.
Why Now?
The continual list of scandals related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in a message dispatched months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
There have also been reports about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, recently, extracts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed Andrew “thought that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the king is due to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff 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 overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Has Been the Reaction?
While he said Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican campaign group Republic has also said the move is “too little, too late”, adding: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be divested of all titles and his military position and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
