The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Surrendered His Royal Titles – and What It Means for the Royal Family
In a announcement issued via the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Here is an overview of what was revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Did Andrew Said?
After previously stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “take additional measures” and consent not to use the “title or the honours which have been granted to” him.
But he also employed the announcement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of misconduct made against him; albeit having paid out millions to settle the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of improper conduct.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy regarding the allegations against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to safeguard his relatives from additional harm caused by media scrutiny.
Has the King Removed Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it holds importance in two respects: initially, it enables the prince to openly state to have behaved with integrity in support of the monarchy. As he said in his announcement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my relatives and country first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, along with the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as a member of the prestigious order. Similar to the royal style title, they are effectively dormant.
He remains a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the sovereign should he be abroad or unwell. However the palace has indicated that, realistically, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement indicated the decision was made “following talks with the king”. It appears highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for the move in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a ducal title would require legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the public – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in over a century – 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 could only be altered if a letters patent was issued by the king.
The whole process might ultimately being drawn-out, implying the objective of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an effective loss of status he has resisted for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, despite rumoured attempts by the king to persuade Andrew to relocate of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on the precise amount of funds Andrew has received as a result of his status, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to raise £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from the queen, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The continual series of controversies related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email sent three months after he claimed to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were stories about his association with a suspected Chinese spy and, recently, extracts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed Andrew “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the king is due to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the initial British king after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that visit to be marred by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Has Been the Reaction?
Although he stated his sister had been “vindicated” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be done.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has also said the action is “too little, too late”, adding: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He ought to be stripped of every honor and his military position and should undergo a legal probe. Not using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
