Why the Duke of York is Giving Up His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Royal Family
In a statement released by the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed he is relinquishing his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Here are the details of what was revealed – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Said?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has currently decided to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “title or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he employed the announcement to emphatically denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; even though having paid out a substantial sum to resolve the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed persistent pressure on the monarchy over the claims against Andrew – particularly after his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from additional harm caused by media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in multiple ways: first, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in defence of the crown. As he said in his announcement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.”
Additionally, although he consented not to use it, Andrew retains the dukedom, as well as the honors his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious Garter role as a member of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style honorific, they essentially become dormant.
He remains a prince and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the sovereign should he be abroad or ill. Although the palace has indicated that, in practice, he would not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement said this choice was made “following talks with the king”. There seems highly likely that, privately, the royal household advocated for this in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a ducal title would take an act of parliament, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more reputational damage for the monarchy.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he became as the son of a monarch. This would only be changed if a royal decree was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The whole process might ultimately being drawn-out, implying the goal of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an effective loss of status he has resisted for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by his brother to persuade Andrew to move out of the 30-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about the precise amount of funds Andrew has received as a result of his status, he remains a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m by selling a property that had been a wedding present from the queen, for example.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless series of controversies related to the prince has become unacceptable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in a message sent three months after he claimed to have ended communication.
There have also been stories about his connections with a suspected intelligence operative and, this week, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “believed that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Moreover, the king is due to make a historic visit to see the pontiff next week, when he will become the initial British king after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that visit to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
While he said Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “true justice” to be done.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the action is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He ought to be divested of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
