The Reasons the Duke of York is Giving Up His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family
In a announcement issued via the royal household, Prince Andrew has confirmed that he will be relinquishing his official honors, such as his dukedom. Below are the details of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Said?
Having already stepped down as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “take additional measures” and consent not to use the “honor or the awards which have been granted to” him.
But he also used the statement to emphatically rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of sexual impropriety 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 firmly denied any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed persistent pressure toward the royal institution regarding the allegations involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to safeguard his relatives from additional harm caused by public speculation.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Titles?
No. And although this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it is significant in two respects: 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, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my relatives and country first.”
Additionally, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains the dukedom, as well as the honors the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style title, they essentially become dormant.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the king if he is abroad or unwell. Although the palace has made clear that, realistically, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement indicated the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the royal household advocated for the move in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a ducal title would require legislative action, and would represent an unprecedented step publicly before the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the royals.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This would only be changed if a royal decree was enacted by the king.
The entire procedure might ultimately being protracted, implying the objective of quickly addressing the matter – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be achieved.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Humiliation, likely above all. The statement signifies an effective loss of standing he has fought against for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, despite rumoured attempts by the king to encourage his brother to move out of the thirty-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been shed on the precise amount of money the prince has obtained due to his status, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he was able to secure £15m from the sale of a property that had been a wedding present from the queen, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless series of controversies involving Andrew has become unacceptable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny after it emerged Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in a message dispatched months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
There have also been reports about his association with an alleged intelligence operative and, this week, excerpts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged Andrew “believed that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Moreover, the king is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the first English monarch since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that visit to be marred by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Has Been the Response?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has also said the action is “too little, too late”, adding: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He should be divested of every honor and his military position and should face a legal probe. Not using archaic honors is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
