🔗 Share this article Why Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Official Titles – and What It Means for the Royal Family In a announcement issued via Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has confirmed he is giving up his official honors, such as his dukedom. Below is an overview of what was announced – and what remains unchanged. What Has Andrew Announced? Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has currently decided to “take additional measures” and consent not to use the “honor or the awards which have been granted to” him. But he also employed the announcement to emphatically denying – as he has always done – the allegations of misconduct made against him; albeit after settling millions to settle the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct. There has existed persistent pressure on the monarchy regarding the allegations against Andrew – particularly after his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard the royal family from additional harm caused by media scrutiny. Has the King Stripped Him of His Titles? No. And, while this might be viewed as a mere formality, it is significant in multiple ways: first, it allows Andrew to openly state to have behaved with integrity in support of the crown. As stated in his announcement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my family and the nation first.” Second, although he consented not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, along with the titles the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Similar to the royal style title, they are effectively dormant. He remains royalty and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be overseas or unwell. Although the palace has indicated that, in practice, he will not be asked to perform these duties. Nevertheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “following talks with the king”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the royal household pushed for the move in the aim of cutting Andrew loose. Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles? To revoke a dukedom would require an act of parliament, and would represent such a historic move in full view of the nation – it has not occurred 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 a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the child of the sovereign. This would only be changed if a royal decree was issued by the reigning monarch. The whole process might ultimately being protracted, meaning the goal of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met. What Are the Implications for the Prince? Humiliation, likely above all. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has resisted for a long time. He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to encourage his brother to move out of the thirty-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park. While little light has been shed on exactly how much funds the prince has obtained as a result of his status, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he managed to raise £15m by selling a home that had been a wedding present from the queen, as an instance. What Prompted This? The continual series of controversies related to the prince has become intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members. His friendship with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines following revelations that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in a message dispatched months after he claimed to have ended communication. Additionally, there were stories about his association with an alleged Chinese spy and, recently, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed Andrew “thought that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”. Moreover, the king is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo next week, when he will become the initial British king since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that visit to be marred by further adverse coverage about Andrew. What Was the Reaction? Although he stated his sister had been “vindicated” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that the prince's style ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be achieved. The republican campaign group Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He should be divested of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Not using archaic honors is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”