🔗 Share this article Why Prince Andrew Has Relinquished His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family Through a statement released by the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed he is giving up his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what was revealed – and what wasn't. What Did the Prince Announced? Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has currently chosen to “go a step further” and consent not to use the “honor or the awards which have been conferred upon” him. However, he used the statement to make a point of rejecting – as he has always done – the allegations of sexual impropriety made against him; albeit after settling millions to resolve the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied any claims of improper conduct. There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy regarding the allegations involving the prince – especially since his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect the royal family from further damage caused by media scrutiny. Has the King Removed Him of His Honors? No. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in two respects: first, it allows Andrew to openly state to have behaved with integrity in support of the monarchy. As stated in his announcement: “I have decided, 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, as well as the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the His Royal Highness title, they are effectively inactive. He remains royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be overseas or unwell. However royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role. Nevertheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears little doubt that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for the move in the aim of cutting Andrew loose. Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles? To forcibly remove a ducal title would take legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not happened to a senior royal in over a century – that it could result in further harm to the image for the royals. The prince remains still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the child of the sovereign. This could only be changed if a letters patent was issued by the king. The entire procedure could end up being protracted, implying the goal of quickly addressing the matter – particularly for the monarchy's interests – may not be achieved. What Are the Implications for Andrew? Humiliation, likely above all. The announcement signifies an effective loss of standing he has resisted for years. The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade Andrew to relocate of the 30-room royal residence in the Windsor estate. While little light has been revealed about the precise amount of money the prince has obtained due to his position, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he was able to raise £15m from the sale of a property 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 monarch and other senior royals. His friendship with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines after it emerged Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months after he claimed to have ended communication. Additionally, there were reports about his association with an alleged intelligence operative and, this week, excerpts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his birthright”. Furthermore, the king is due to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo soon, 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 overshadowed by more negative headlines about his brother. What Has Been the Reaction? Although he stated Giuffre had been “vindicated” 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 additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He should be divested of all titles and his military position and should face a legal probe. Not using archaic honors is not a penalty that fits the offences.”