🔗 Share this article The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and What It Means for the Monarchy In a statement issued via the royal household, Prince Andrew has declared he is giving up his royal titles, including his dukedom. Below is an overview of what was revealed – and what wasn't. What Has the Prince Announced? Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has now decided to “go a step further” and consent not to use the “title or the awards which have been conferred upon” him. However, he used the statement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of misconduct made against him; even though after settling a substantial sum to settle 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 been persistent pressure on the monarchy over the claims involving the prince – especially since his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from additional harm caused by public speculation. Has the King Removed Him of His Honors? Not at all. And although this might be viewed as a mere formality, it holds importance in multiple ways: first, it allows Andrew to openly state to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As he said in his statement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to put my duty to my relatives and the nation first.” Additionally, although he consented to abstain from using it, the prince keeps his ducal title, as well as the honors the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style title, they essentially become inactive. He remains a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the king should he be abroad or unwell. Although the palace has made clear that, realistically, he would not be called upon to perform these duties. Nonetheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement said the decision was made “in discussion with the monarch”. It appears highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for this in the hope of cutting Andrew loose. Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors? To forcibly remove a dukedom would take legislative action, and would constitute such a historic move publicly before the nation – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely result in further harm to the image for the monarchy. Andrew is also a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This could only be altered if a letters patent was issued by the king. The whole process could end up being protracted, implying the goal of swiftly resolving the matter – particularly for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be met. What Are the Implications for Andrew? Embarrassment, 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 Royal Lodge, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by the king to persuade his brother to relocate of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park. Although limited information has been revealed about the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained as a result of his status, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to raise £15m by selling a home that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example. What Prompted This? The seemingly endless series of controversies involving Andrew has become intolerable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members. His friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication. There have also been stories about his association with an alleged intelligence operative and, this week, extracts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged Andrew “thought that having sex with me was his entitlement”. Furthermore, the king is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo soon, when he will become the first English monarch since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that visit to be marred by more negative headlines about his brother. What Has Been the Response? Although he stated his sister had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved. The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”