🔗 Share this article Why Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Official Titles – and What It Means for the Royal Family In a announcement released by the royal household, Prince Andrew has confirmed that he will be relinquishing his official honors, such as his dukedom. Here are the details of what was announced – and what remains unchanged. What Did the Prince Announced? Having already stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has now decided to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “honor or the honours which have been conferred upon” him. But he also used the statement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of misconduct made against him; albeit having paid out a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied any claims of wrongdoing. There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy over the allegations involving the prince – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect the royal family from further damage resulting from media scrutiny. Has the King Stripped Him of His Honors? No. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it holds importance in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the monarchy. As stated in his announcement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my relatives and the nation first.” Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, the prince keeps the dukedom, as well as the honors the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the prestigious position as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Like the HRH His Royal Highness title, they are effectively dormant. He remains a prince and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the sovereign should he be abroad or ill. However royal officials has made clear that, in practice, he would not be called upon to fulfil this role. Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement said this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the royal household advocated for the move in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew. Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors? To forcibly remove a ducal title would require an act of parliament, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the monarchy. Andrew is also a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he became as the child of the sovereign. This could only be changed if a letters patent was issued by the reigning monarch. 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 Does It Mean for Andrew? Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for years. He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by the king to encourage Andrew to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property 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 wealthy individual. In 2007, he was able to raise £15m from the sale of a home that had been a wedding present from the queen, as an instance. Why Now? The continual list of scandals related to the prince has become intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members. His association with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in a message sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact. There have also been stories about his association with a suspected intelligence operative and, recently, extracts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged Andrew “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”. Moreover, the sovereign is due to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo soon, when he will become the initial British king after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about Andrew. What Was the Reaction? While he said Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed the Times that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be done. The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has additionally stated the action is “too little, too late”, adding: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He should be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”