Why Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Royal Honors – and What It Means for the Royal Family
In a statement issued by the royal household, Prince Andrew has declared he is relinquishing his official honors, including his dukedom. Here are the details of what has been revealed – and what wasn't.
What Did the Prince Said?
Having already stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has currently chosen to “go a step further” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been granted to” him.
However, he employed the announcement to make a point of rejecting – as he has always done – the accusations of sexual impropriety made against him; even though after settling a substantial sum to resolve the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the claims involving the prince – especially since his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to safeguard his relatives from additional harm resulting from public speculation.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Honors?
No. And although this might be viewed as a mere formality, it is significant 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, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and the nation first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains the dukedom, along with the honors the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the prestigious Garter role as a member of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style title, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he is also still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be abroad or ill. Although royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he would not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement said the decision was made “following talks with the king”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the royal household pushed for this in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would require an act of parliament, and would constitute such a historic move in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it could result in further reputational damage for the royals.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he became such as the child of the sovereign. This would only be changed if a royal decree was enacted by the king.
The whole process could end up being protracted, meaning the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an effective loss of standing he has fought against for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, despite rumoured attempts by the king to persuade his brother to relocate of the thirty-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been shed on exactly how much money the prince has obtained due to his status, he continues to be a wealthy individual. In 2007, he was able to raise £15m from the sale of a home that had been a gift from the queen, for example.
Why Now?
The continual list of scandals involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in a message dispatched months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with a suspected Chinese spy and, recently, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged the prince “thought that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the king is due to make a historic visit to see the pontiff next week, when he will become the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Response?
While he said his sister had been “justified” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The republican campaign group Republic has also said the action is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He should be divested of every honor and his military position and should face a legal probe. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
