Through a announcement issued via the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be giving up his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Below are the details of what has been revealed – and what wasn't.
What Did the Prince Said?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now decided to “go a step further” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also employed the announcement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of misconduct leveled at him; even though having paid out millions to settle the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied any claims of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution regarding the claims involving the prince – especially since his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to protect the royal family from further damage resulting from public speculation.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: initially, it enables the prince to openly state to have behaved with integrity in support of the monarchy. As he said in his statement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my family and the nation first.”
Second, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains the dukedom, as well as 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 royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he is also still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the king should he be abroad or ill. Although the palace has made clear that, in practice, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement indicated the decision was made “following talks with the monarch”. It appears little doubt that, behind the scenes, the royal household advocated for this in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would take legislative action, and would constitute such a historic move in full view of the public – it has not happened to a senior royal in over a century – that it would likely result in further harm to the image for the royals.
The prince remains still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically such as the child of the sovereign. This could only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The whole process could end up being protracted, implying the goal of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, likely above all. The statement represents an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade Andrew to move out of the 30-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
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 managed to secure £15m by selling a home that had been a wedding present from the queen, for example.
Why Now?
The continual list of scandals related to the prince has become intolerable for the king and other senior royals.
His association with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in an email sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
There have also been stories about his connections with an alleged Chinese spy and, recently, extracts 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 birthright”.
Furthermore, the king is due to make a historic visit 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 pray publicly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that trip to be marred by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Has Been the Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has also said the action is “too little, too late”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual offences and misuse of position. He ought to be divested of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
