The Reasons Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a statement released via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has declared that he will be giving up his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what has been revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Did Andrew Announced?
Having already stepped down as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now decided to “go a step further” and agree to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he used the statement to emphatically denying – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of misconduct made against him; albeit after settling millions to resolve the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution regarding the claims against Andrew – particularly after his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from additional harm resulting from media scrutiny.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Titles?
No. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it holds importance in multiple ways: initially, it enables the prince to openly state to have acted honourably in support of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first.”
Second, although he consented not to use it, the prince keeps the dukedom, along with the honors the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Similar to the His Royal Highness honorific, they are effectively inactive.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the sovereign if he is overseas or ill. Although royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement said this choice was made “following talks with the king”. There seems little doubt that, privately, the royal household advocated for this in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a ducal title would require an act of parliament, and would constitute such a historic move publicly before the nation – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it would likely cause more reputational damage for the royals.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This would only be altered if a royal decree was enacted by the king.
The whole process could end up being drawn-out, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Humiliation, likely above all. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has resisted for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding reported efforts by the king to encourage Andrew to move out of the 30-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about exactly how much money Andrew has received due to his position, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he managed to secure £15m from the sale of a property that had been a gift from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless list of scandals related to the prince has proved intolerable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny after it emerged Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in a message sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were stories about his association with an alleged Chinese spy and, recently, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the king is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, when he will become the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Was the Response?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “justified” by the decision, 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 “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He ought to be divested of all titles and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
