🔗 Share this article Why Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Official Honors – and What It Means for the Royal Family Through a statement issued via the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed he is giving up his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what has been revealed – and what wasn't. What Did Andrew Announced? After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “go a step further” and consent not to use the “honor or the awards which have been granted to” him. However, he employed the announcement to emphatically rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of misconduct made against him; albeit after settling millions to resolve the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected all allegations of improper conduct. There has been persistent pressure toward the royal institution over the allegations involving the prince – especially since his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from further damage caused by public speculation. Has the King Stripped Him of His Titles? No. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: first, it enables the prince to openly state to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As stated in his announcement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my relatives and country first.” Second, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, the prince keeps his ducal title, along with the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as a member of the prestigious order. Like the HRH royal style title, they essentially become dormant. He remains a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the sovereign if he is abroad or ill. However the palace has made clear that, in practice, he will not be called upon to perform these duties. Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement said this choice was made “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the royal household pushed for this in the aim of cutting Andrew loose. Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors? To revoke a ducal title would take an act of parliament, and would constitute such a historic move in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it could result in further harm to the image for the monarchy. Andrew is also still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the child of the sovereign. This would only be changed if a royal decree was issued by the king. The entire procedure might ultimately being drawn-out, meaning the goal of quickly addressing the issue – particularly for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved. What Does It Mean for the Prince? Embarrassment, likely above all. The statement signifies an effective loss of standing he has fought against for a long time. The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, despite rumoured attempts by the king to persuade his brother to relocate of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate. Although limited information has been revealed about 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 secure £15m by selling a property that had been a wedding present from the queen, for example. Why Now? The seemingly endless list of scandals involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the monarch and other senior royals. 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 an email sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication. There have also been stories about his association with an alleged intelligence operative and, recently, extracts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged the prince “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”. Furthermore, the sovereign is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the initial British king since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that trip to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about his brother. What Was the Response? Although he stated Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that the prince's style ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be achieved. The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the action is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He should be divested of all titles and his navy rank and should undergo a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”