Why Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Monarchy

Through a statement issued via Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has declared that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what has been announced – and what wasn't.

What Did Andrew Said?

After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now decided to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “title or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.

But he also used the statement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of sexual impropriety made against him; even though after settling millions to settle the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.

There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy regarding the allegations against Andrew – especially since his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from further damage resulting from media scrutiny.

Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Titles?

No. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it holds importance 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 put my duty to my relatives and the nation first.”

Second, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, as well as the honors his earldom and his barony and the prestigious position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style title, they are effectively dormant.

He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – 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 Andrew’s statement said the decision was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, privately, the royal household advocated for this in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.

Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?

To revoke a dukedom would take legislative action, and would represent an unprecedented step publicly before the public – it has not happened to a senior royal in over a century – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the royals.

Andrew is also a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically as the child of the sovereign. This would only be changed if a royal decree was enacted by the reigning monarch.

The entire procedure might ultimately being protracted, implying the goal of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be achieved.

What Does It Mean for the Prince?

Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an effective loss of status he has resisted for a long time.

He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by his brother to persuade his brother to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.

Although limited information has been shed on the precise amount of money Andrew has received due to his status, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m from the sale of a property that had been a gift from his mother, for example.

What Prompted This?

The seemingly endless series of controversies related to the prince has proved intolerable for the king and other senior royals.

His friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months after he claimed to have ceased contact.

There have also been reports about his connections with a suspected Chinese spy and, this week, extracts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his entitlement”.

Moreover, the sovereign is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the initial British king after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that trip to be marred by more negative headlines about his brother.

What Was the Reaction?

Although he stated Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be done.

The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has also said the move is “too little, too late”, noting: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He should be stripped of every honor and his military position and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”