What Prince Andrew’s formal stripping of royal titles really means | Royal | News
As royal announcements go, this is one of the most significant to come from Buckingham Palace in recent decades. Andrew, the son of a former monarch, has been formally stripped of his princely title, dukedom, HRH style and royal honours.
This hasn’t come from Parliament, but from his own brother – the King.
While it’s been the case of when, not if, an announcement would be made about Andrew’s future, not many had predicted that the curtains would fall on every aspect of his life. For a proud man who enjoys the trappings of royal life, last night’s announcement will be truly devastating.
It goes much further than asking Andrew to voluntarily relinquish use of his dukedom; he’s not even allowed to cling to his birthrate title of prince.
The message from the King is clear: you’re not welcome anywhere near the royal fold anymore.
It marks the culmination of years of scandal, and the Palace will be firmly hoping that it draws a line under the drip-drip of scandal once and for all.
The Royal Lodge row is no more; he’s effectively been banished to Sandringham.
And Fergie? She’s on her own.
It can’t be overstated how significant the decision is and the final wording of the statement makes it clear where the King and Queen’s priorities quite rightly lie, with the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.
While Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing, sources say action had to be taken to reflect his serious lapses of judgement.
And while the disgraced royal did not object to the serious course of action, it’s pretty clear he had no choice in the matter.
The Prince of Wales will be pleased that the news has arrived just before his trip to Brazil for the annual Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony, and the Palace will hope that there will be no further criticism of inaction and it will be back to business as usual.
As for Andrew, he will retreat to Sandringham with his tail between his legs and start a new, quieter life alone, and far away from prying eyes.
