🔗 Share this article The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Surrendered His Royal Honors – and What It Means for the Royal Family In a announcement issued by the royal household, Prince Andrew has confirmed that he will be giving up his official honors, such as the Duke of York. Below are the details of what was revealed – and what remains unchanged. What Has Andrew Said? Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “honor or the awards which have been granted to” him. However, he employed the announcement to emphatically denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of sexual impropriety made against him; albeit after settling millions to settle the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing. There has existed ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution regarding the claims against Andrew – especially since his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect his relatives from additional harm caused by media scrutiny. Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles? Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it holds importance in multiple ways: first, it enables the prince to openly state to have acted honourably in defence of the crown. As he said in his announcement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my family and the nation first.” Additionally, although he consented not to use it, Andrew retains the dukedom, along with the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style honorific, they essentially become dormant. He continues to be royalty and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the sovereign should he be overseas or unwell. Although the palace has indicated that, in practice, he would not be asked to perform these duties. Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. It appears highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace advocated for the move in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew. Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors? To revoke a dukedom would take legislative action, and would constitute such a historic move publicly before the public – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely result in further harm to the image for the royals. Andrew is also a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This would only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the king. The whole process could end up being drawn-out, implying the goal of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be met. What Are the Implications for Andrew? Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an effective loss of standing he has fought against for years. The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, despite rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade Andrew to relocate of the 30-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park. Although limited information has been revealed about exactly how much money the prince has obtained due to his position, he remains a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m by selling a home that had been a gift from his mother, for example. What Prompted This? The seemingly endless list of scandals involving Andrew has proved unacceptable for the king and other high-ranking family members. His friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines following revelations that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact. There have also been stories about his association with a suspected Chinese spy and, this week, extracts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed Andrew “believed that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”. Moreover, the king is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, 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 pope and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about Andrew. What Was the Reaction? While he said Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved. The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be stripped of all titles and his navy rank and should face a legal probe. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”