Why Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Monarchy

Through a announcement issued by Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has declared that he will be giving up his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Below are the details of what was revealed – and what wasn't.

What Has Andrew Announced?

Having already stepped down as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “honor or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.

However, he used the statement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of sexual impropriety made against him; even though after settling millions to settle the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected all allegations of improper conduct.

There has been 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 protect the royal family from additional harm caused by public speculation.

Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles?

Not at all. And although this might be viewed as a mere formality, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it allows Andrew to openly state to have acted honourably in defence of the monarchy. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and the nation first.”

Second, although he consented not to use it, the prince keeps the dukedom, as well as the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Similar to the His Royal Highness honorific, they essentially become inactive.

He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the sovereign if he is abroad or ill. Although royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he would not be asked to perform these duties.

Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement said the decision was made “following talks with the monarch”. It appears little doubt that, privately, the royal household advocated for this in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.

Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?

To revoke a ducal title would take legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before the nation – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it would likely cause more reputational damage for the royals.

Andrew is also still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the child of the sovereign. This could only be changed if a royal decree was issued by the king.

The whole process could end up being protracted, meaning the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – particularly for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be met.

What Does It Mean for Andrew?

Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for years.

He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, despite reported efforts by the king to encourage Andrew to relocate of the 30-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.

While little light has been revealed about the precise amount of money the prince has obtained as a result of his position, he remains a wealthy individual. In 2007, he was able to secure £15m from the sale of a property that had been a gift from the queen, for example.

What Prompted This?

The seemingly endless series of controversies involving Andrew has proved unacceptable for the king and other senior royals.

His association with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines following revelations that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in an email sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.

There have also been stories about his connections with a suspected intelligence operative and, this week, excerpts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed Andrew “thought that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.

Moreover, the king is due to make a historic visit to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the initial British king since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.

What Was the Reaction?

While he said Giuffre had been “justified” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be done.

The republican advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the action is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual offences and misuse of position. He should be stripped of all titles and his military position and should face a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”