🔗 Share this article The Reasons Prince Andrew Has Surrendered His Royal Honors – and What It Means for the Royal Family Through a announcement released via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has declared that he will be giving up his official honors, such as his dukedom. Below is an overview of what has been announced – and what wasn't. What Did the Prince Announced? Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “honor or the awards which have been granted to” him. But he also employed the announcement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the accusations of sexual impropriety made against him; albeit having paid out millions to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing. There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution regarding the allegations involving the prince – especially since his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from further damage resulting from media scrutiny. Has the King Stripped Him of His Honors? Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in multiple ways: first, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in defence of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.” Second, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains the dukedom, as well as the honors the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the esteemed position as a member of the prestigious order. Similar to the His Royal Highness honorific, they essentially become dormant. He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the sovereign if he is overseas or ill. However the palace has made clear that, in practice, he would not be called upon to fulfil this role. Nevertheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement said the decision was made “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems highly likely that, privately, the royal household pushed for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew. Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors? To revoke a dukedom would require an act of parliament, and would represent an unprecedented step in full view of the public – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the monarchy. Andrew is also a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he became as the child of the sovereign. This would only be changed if a letters patent was enacted by the reigning monarch. The whole process could end up being drawn-out, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – particularly for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved. What Does It Mean for Andrew? Humiliation, likely above all. The announcement represents an substantial reduction of status he has fought against for a long time. He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade Andrew to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate. Although limited information has been revealed about exactly how much money Andrew has received as a result of his status, he remains a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he managed to raise £15m by selling a home that had been a wedding present from the queen, for example. What Prompted This? The continual list of scandals related to the prince has become unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members. His friendship with the convicted 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 ceased contact. There have also been reports about his connections with an alleged Chinese spy and, this week, excerpts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged the prince “thought that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”. Furthermore, the sovereign is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that visit to be marred by more negative headlines about his brother. What Was the Reaction? Although he stated Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times 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: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual offences and misuse of position. He should be stripped of every honor and his military position and should face a legal probe. Not using archaic honors is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”