The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Monarchy

Through a statement released by the royal household, the king's brother has declared he is relinquishing his official honors, including his dukedom. Here are the details of what has been revealed – and what remains unchanged.

What Did the Prince Said?

After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has now decided to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “honor or the awards which have been granted to” him.

However, he employed the announcement to emphatically denying – as he has always done – the allegations of misconduct leveled at him; albeit after settling millions to resolve the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct.

There has existed persistent pressure toward the royal institution regarding the allegations involving the prince – especially since his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard the royal family from further damage caused by public speculation.

Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?

Not at all. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it is significant in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in defence of the monarchy. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my family and the nation first.”

Second, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, as well as the honors the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH His Royal Highness title, they are effectively dormant.

He remains a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the king if he is abroad or ill. Although royal officials has made clear that, in practice, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.

Nonetheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement indicated the decision was made “following talks with the king”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the palace pushed for this in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.

Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?

To revoke a ducal title would require legislative action, and would represent such a historic move in full view of the nation – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it could result in further harm to the image for the monarchy.

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

The whole process might ultimately being drawn-out, implying the goal of quickly addressing the issue – particularly for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.

What Are the Implications for the Prince?

Humiliation, likely above all. The announcement represents an effective loss of standing he has resisted for years.

He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade his brother to move out of the thirty-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.

While little light has been revealed about exactly how much funds Andrew has received as a result of his position, he continues to be a person of means. In 2007, he was able to raise £15m from the sale of a home that had been a gift from the queen, for example.

What Prompted This?

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

His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.

There have also been stories about his association with an alleged Chinese spy and, recently, extracts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged Andrew “believed that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.

Furthermore, 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 worship openly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that visit to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about Andrew.

What Was the Reaction?

Although he stated Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that the prince's style should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be done.

The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the action is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He ought to be stripped of all titles and his military position and should face a legal probe. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”