🔗 Share this article Why Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Official Titles – and What It Means for the Monarchy Through a statement issued by Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has declared he is giving up his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Below is an overview of what has been announced – and what wasn't. What Has the Prince Said? Having already stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has currently chosen to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him. However, he used the statement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; albeit after settling millions to settle the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied any claims of wrongdoing. There has existed ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the claims against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from additional harm caused by media scrutiny. Has the King Removed Him of His Titles? Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: first, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in defence of the monarchy. As he said in his statement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.” Additionally, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains his ducal title, along with the titles his earldom and his barony and the prestigious position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style honorific, they essentially become inactive. He remains royalty and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he is also still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the king should he be overseas or unwell. Although royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role. Nonetheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement said the decision was made “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the royal household advocated for this 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 require an act of parliament, and would represent an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it could cause more harm to the image for the monarchy. The prince remains a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This could only be altered if a letters patent was enacted by the reigning monarch. The whole process might ultimately being drawn-out, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met. What Are the Implications for Andrew? Embarrassment, likely above all. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has resisted for a long time. The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, despite rumoured attempts by the king to encourage his brother to move out of the 30-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park. Although limited information has been shed on the precise amount of funds Andrew has received due to his status, he remains a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he managed to secure £15m by selling a home that had been a wedding present from the queen, as an instance. Why Now? The seemingly endless series of controversies related to the prince has become intolerable for the king and other senior royals. His association with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines following revelations that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months after he claimed to have ended communication. There have also been stories about his connections with a suspected intelligence operative and, recently, extracts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged the prince “believed that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”. Moreover, the sovereign is due to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff soon, during which he will be the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about Andrew. What Has Been the Response? While he said Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved. The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should 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.”