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

Through a statement released by the royal household, Prince Andrew has confirmed he is giving up his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Below are the details of what was announced – and what wasn't.

What Did the Prince Announced?

After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “go a step further” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been granted to” him.

But he also employed the announcement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the accusations of misconduct leveled at him; albeit having paid out a substantial sum to resolve the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct.

There has existed persistent pressure toward the royal institution regarding the claims involving the prince – especially since his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to protect his relatives from further damage resulting from media scrutiny.

Has the King Removed Him of His Honors?

Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in multiple ways: first, it enables the prince to openly state to have behaved with integrity in support of the crown. As he said in his announcement: “I have decided, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.”

Second, while he has agreed not to use it, the prince keeps the dukedom, along with the honors his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious Garter role as a member of the prestigious order. Similar to the royal style title, they essentially become dormant.

He continues to be royalty and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be abroad or ill. However the palace has indicated that, realistically, he will not be asked to perform these duties.

Nonetheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement said the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the royal household pushed for this in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.

Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?

To revoke a ducal title would take an act of parliament, and would represent such a historic move in full view of the public – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more reputational damage for the royals.

The prince remains a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This could only be altered if a royal decree was enacted by the reigning monarch.

The entire procedure might ultimately being drawn-out, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – particularly for the monarchy's interests – may not be achieved.

What Does It Mean for Andrew?

Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an effective loss of standing he has fought against for a long time.

He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, despite rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade Andrew to move out of the 30-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.

Although limited information has been revealed about exactly how much money 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 from the sale of a property that had been a wedding present from the queen, for example.

Why Now?

The continual list of scandals related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.

His friendship with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines following revelations that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in a message dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.

There have also been reports about his association with an alleged intelligence operative and, this week, excerpts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed the prince “believed that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.

Moreover, the king is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, when he will become the first English monarch 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 trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.

What Has Been the Response?

Although he stated Giuffre had been “justified” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be done.

The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has also said the move is “too little, too late”, noting: “Andrew remains accused of sexual offences and abuse of office. He ought to be divested of all titles and his navy rank and should face a legal probe. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”