Why Prince Andrew Has Surrendered His Royal Honors – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a statement issued via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has declared he is relinquishing his official honors, including the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what was announced – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Said?
Having already stepped down as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has currently decided to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “honor or the honours which have been granted to” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of sexual impropriety made against him; even though having paid out a substantial sum to settle the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution regarding the claims involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect his relatives from additional harm caused by public speculation.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Honors?
No. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it holds importance in multiple ways: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in defence of the crown. As he said in his announcement: “I have decided, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.”
Second, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains the dukedom, along with the honors his earldom and his barony and the prestigious Garter role as a member of the prestigious order. Similar to the His Royal Highness title, they are effectively dormant.
He remains royalty and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he is also still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the king if he is overseas or unwell. Although the palace has indicated that, realistically, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement said this choice was made “in discussion with the king”. There seems highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for this in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would take legislative action, and would represent an unprecedented step publicly before the nation – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely cause more reputational damage for the monarchy.
The prince remains a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This would only be changed if a letters patent was issued by the king.
The whole process might ultimately being protracted, implying the goal of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be met.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Humiliation, likely above all. The announcement signifies 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, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by the king to encourage Andrew to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been shed on exactly how much money Andrew has received due to his status, he continues to be a person of means. In 2007, he managed to raise £15m from the sale of a home that had been a wedding present from his mother, as an instance.
Why Now?
The continual series of controversies involving Andrew has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His association with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines following revelations that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in a message sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his association with a suspected Chinese spy and, recently, extracts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff soon, during which he will be the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. 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 move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has also said the action is “too little, too late”, noting: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual offences and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
