Why the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a statement issued by Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has declared that he will be giving up his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Below are the details of what has been announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Has Andrew Announced?
After previously stepped down as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “title or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also used the statement to emphatically rejecting – as he has always done – the allegations of sexual impropriety made against him; albeit having paid out millions to resolve the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected all allegations of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy over the allegations against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to safeguard his relatives from further damage caused by media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Titles?
No. And, while this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it is significant in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As stated in his announcement: “I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first.”
Additionally, although he consented not to use it, the prince keeps his ducal title, as well as the titles the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style title, they are effectively inactive.
He remains a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the king should he be overseas or ill. However royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he would not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is significant 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 the move in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a ducal title would take an act of parliament, and would represent such a historic move in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely cause more harm to the image for the monarchy.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This could only be changed if a royal decree was issued by the reigning monarch.
The whole process could end up being drawn-out, meaning the goal of swiftly resolving the issue – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – may not be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, likely above all. The announcement represents an effective loss of standing he has fought against for a long time.
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 royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about the precise amount of money the prince has obtained as a result of his position, he remains a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to raise £15m from the sale of a property that had been a wedding present from his mother, as an instance.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless series of controversies involving Andrew has become unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with a suspected intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged the prince “believed that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, when he will become the first English monarch since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be marred by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Has Been the Reaction?
Although he stated his sister had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “true justice” to be done.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has also said the action is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual offences and misuse of position. He should be stripped of all titles and his military position and should face a legal probe. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
