The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Surrendered His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a statement released via the royal household, Prince Andrew has confirmed that he will be relinquishing his official honors, such as the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what was announced – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Said?
Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has currently chosen to “go a step further” and agree to refrain from using the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him.
However, he employed the announcement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the accusations of misconduct leveled at him; even though after settling millions to settle the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the claims against Andrew – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect the royal family from further damage caused by public speculation.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Honors?
No. And although this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it is significant in multiple ways: first, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have acted honourably in defence of the monarchy. As stated in his announcement: “I have decided, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations 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 prestigious Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style title, they essentially become inactive.
He remains a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the king if he is abroad or unwell. However royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement said the decision was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems highly likely that, privately, the royal household advocated for this in the hope 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 represent such a historic move in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it could result in further reputational damage for the monarchy.
Andrew is also still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he became such as the child of the sovereign. This would only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The entire procedure might ultimately being protracted, meaning the objective of quickly addressing the issue – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – may not be achieved.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The announcement represents an substantial reduction of status he has fought against for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to encourage his brother to relocate of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been revealed about the precise amount of money the prince has obtained due to his position, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he was able to raise £15m from the sale of a property that had been a gift from his mother, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless list of scandals involving Andrew has become unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
There have also been stories about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts 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”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is scheduled to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo soon, when he will become the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that trip to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Has Been the Response?
While he said his sister had been “justified” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the move is “too little, too late”, noting: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He ought to be stripped of all titles and his military position and should undergo a criminal investigation. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
