Why Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Official Titles – and What It Means for the Royal Family

In a announcement released via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has confirmed that he will be giving up his royal titles, including his dukedom. Below are the details of what has been announced – and what wasn't.

What Has the Prince Announced?

After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has currently chosen to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been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 – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of misconduct leveled at him; albeit having paid out millions to resolve the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of improper conduct.

There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy over the claims against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard his relatives from further damage resulting from public speculation.

Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles?

No. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in multiple ways: first, it enables the prince to openly state to have acted honourably in support of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.”

Second, although he consented 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 Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style title, they essentially become dormant.

He remains 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 overseas or unwell. However royal officials has made clear that, in practice, he would not be asked to fulfil this role.

Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems highly likely that, privately, the palace advocated for this in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.

Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?

To revoke a dukedom would require an act of parliament, and would represent such a historic move publicly before the nation – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the monarchy.

The prince remains still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This would only be changed if a letters patent was issued by the king.

The whole process could end up being protracted, implying the goal of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be achieved.

What Are the Implications for the Prince?

Embarrassment, likely above all. The statement signifies an effective loss of standing he has resisted for a long time.

He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding reported efforts by the king to encourage Andrew to relocate of the thirty-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.

While little light has been revealed about the precise amount of money Andrew has received as a result of his position, he remains a wealthy individual. In 2007, he was able to secure £15m from the sale of a property that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.

Why Now?

The continual series of controversies involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the monarch and other senior royals.

His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in an email sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact.

Additionally, there were reports about his association with a suspected intelligence operative and, recently, extracts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged Andrew “thought that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.

Furthermore, the king is due to make a historic visit to see the pontiff soon, during which he will be the initial British king since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that trip to be marred by more negative headlines about Andrew.

What Has Been the Reaction?

Although he stated his sister had been “vindicated” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.

The republican campaign group Republic has also said the action is “too little, too late”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of all titles and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”