Why Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Official Honors – and What It Means for the Monarchy
In a announcement released via Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has declared he is relinquishing his official honors, such as his dukedom. Below are the details of what was revealed – and what wasn't.
What Has Andrew Announced?
After previously stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has now decided to “go a step further” and agree to refrain from using the “honor or the honours which have been granted to” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of rejecting – as he has always done – the accusations of misconduct made against him; albeit having paid out millions to settle the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has been ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy regarding the claims involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect the royal family from further damage resulting from public speculation.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in two respects: first, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in support of the monarchy. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my relatives and the nation first.”
Second, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains the dukedom, as well as the honors his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Similar to the His Royal Highness title, they essentially become inactive.
He remains a prince and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he is also still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the sovereign if he is overseas or unwell. However royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he would not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement indicated the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears little doubt that, privately, the royal household advocated for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a dukedom would require an act of parliament, and would constitute such a historic move publicly before the nation – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely cause more harm to the image for the monarchy.
Andrew is also still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the child of the sovereign. This could only be altered if a letters patent was enacted by the king.
The whole process could end up being protracted, implying the objective of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be achieved.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. 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 reported efforts by the king to encourage 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 Andrew has received due to his position, he continues to be a wealthy individual. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m from the sale of a home that had been a gift from the queen, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The continual series of controversies involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in an email sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
There have also been reports about his connections with a suspected Chinese spy and, recently, extracts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Moreover, the king is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo soon, during which he will be the initial British king since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that trip to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Has Been the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “vindicated” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has also said the move is “too little, too late”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He ought to be stripped of all titles and his navy rank and should face a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”