Why the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a announcement released by the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed he is relinquishing his official honors, such as his dukedom. Here is an overview of what was announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Has Andrew Announced?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has currently chosen to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “honor or the honours which have been granted to” him.
However, he used the statement to emphatically rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of misconduct leveled at him; albeit having paid out a substantial sum to resolve the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct.
There has existed persistent pressure toward the royal institution over the claims involving the prince – especially since his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to safeguard the royal family from further damage resulting from public speculation.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to openly state to have behaved with integrity in defence of the monarchy. As he said in his announcement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, the prince keeps his ducal title, along with the honors the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style title, they are effectively dormant.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he is also still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the king should he be overseas or unwell. Although the palace has indicated that, in practice, he would not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement said the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears little doubt that, privately, the royal household advocated for the move in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a ducal title would require legislative action, and would constitute such a historic move in full view of the public – 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. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the child of the sovereign. This could only be changed if a royal decree was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure could end up being protracted, implying the goal of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Humiliation, likely above all. The announcement represents an substantial reduction of status he has resisted for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade Andrew to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about exactly how much money Andrew has received due to his position, he remains a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he was able to raise £15m from the sale of a property that had been a gift from his mother, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless list of scandals related to the prince has become intolerable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His association with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
There have also been stories about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed the prince “believed that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Moreover, the sovereign is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the initial British king after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Was the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “justified” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of every honor and his military position and should face a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
