The Reasons the Duke of York is Giving Up His Royal Titles – and What It Means for the Royal Family
In a announcement released via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has confirmed that he will be relinquishing his official honors, such as his dukedom. Here is an overview of what has been announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Did Andrew Announced?
After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has currently chosen to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he used the statement to emphatically rejecting – as he has always done – the accusations of misconduct leveled at him; even though after settling a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution regarding the allegations involving the prince – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to protect the royal family from additional harm caused by media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: first, it allows Andrew to openly state to have behaved with integrity in defence of the crown. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and the nation first.”
Second, although he consented to abstain from using it, the prince keeps his ducal title, along with the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH His Royal Highness title, they are effectively dormant.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the king if he is overseas or ill. However royal officials has made clear that, realistically, 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, privately, the palace advocated for this in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a dukedom would require legislative action, and would constitute such a historic move publicly before the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it would likely result in further harm to the image for the monarchy.
The prince remains a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the child of the sovereign. This would only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the reigning monarch.
The whole process could end up being protracted, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – particularly for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. 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, despite reported efforts by his brother to encourage Andrew to move out of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been shed on exactly how much money Andrew has received due to his position, he continues to be a person of means. In 2007, he managed to raise £15m by selling a property that had been a wedding present from the queen, for example.
What Prompted This?
The continual series of controversies involving Andrew has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His association with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were reports about his association with an alleged Chinese spy and, this week, excerpts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the king is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo soon, during which he will be the initial British king after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that visit to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Has Been the Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican campaign group Republic has also said the move is “too little, too late”, noting: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual offences and abuse of office. He ought to be stripped of all titles and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
