Former Prince Andrew is reportedly considering adopting his naval rank of "Commander" as a new title abroad, a move a palace source says makes him "feel legitimate again." This follows rumors of a potential relocation to the Middle East, such as Bahrain or Saudi Arabia.
According to reports, Andrew, who was stripped of his royal and military titles, wishes to use "Commander" on official paperwork instead of "Mr." The pitch is framed as a status reset, dropping royal styling in favor of his retained retired rank. A source close to the palace stated the title feels like proof he is still a person of standing and "can travel well."
However, other insiders have warned the plan is "fraught with risk" and could "backfire spectacularly," potentially appearing as "borrowed grandeur" rather than a genuine fresh start. Critics note the optics could trigger fresh backlash, especially with comparisons to the fictional Commander James Bond, which Andrew is said to lean into. The palace is reportedly watching how far the idea progresses.