Through a statement released via Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be giving up his official honors, including his dukedom. Here is an overview of what has been revealed – and what wasn't.
Having already stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “honor or the awards which have been granted to” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of misconduct leveled at him; even though after settling a substantial sum to resolve the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied all allegations of improper conduct.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the claims against Andrew – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to protect his relatives from further damage resulting from media scrutiny.
Not at all. And although this might be viewed as a mere formality, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As stated in his announcement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to put my duty to my relatives and country first.”
Additionally, although he consented not to use it, Andrew retains the dukedom, along with the honors the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the esteemed position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH His Royal Highness honorific, they are effectively inactive.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the king should he be overseas or ill. However royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he would not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement said the decision was made “in discussion with the monarch”. It appears little doubt that, privately, the palace pushed for this in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take an act of parliament, and would represent such a historic move in full view of the public – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely cause more harm to the image for the monarchy.
The prince remains still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This could only be altered if a royal decree was enacted by the king.
The entire procedure might ultimately being protracted, meaning the goal of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.
Embarrassment, likely above all. The statement represents an substantial reduction of standing he has resisted for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by the king to persuade Andrew to relocate of the 30-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on exactly how much funds Andrew has received due to his position, he remains a wealthy individual. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m by selling a home that had been a wedding present from the queen, for example.
The continual series of controversies involving Andrew has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in a message dispatched months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were reports about his association with an alleged Chinese spy and, this week, excerpts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed Andrew “believed that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the king is scheduled to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, when he will become the initial British king after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.
While he said his sister had been “vindicated” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the move is “too little, too late”, noting: “Andrew remains accused of sexual offences and misuse of position. He ought to 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 matches the accusations.”
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