The Reasons the Duke of York is Giving Up His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a announcement released by the royal household, Prince Andrew has declared he is relinquishing his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Below is an overview of what was announced – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Said?
After previously stepped down as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now decided to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the accusations of sexual impropriety made against him; albeit after settling a substantial sum to resolve the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of improper conduct.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the allegations against Andrew – especially since his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to protect the royal family from further damage resulting from public speculation.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And although this might be viewed as a mere formality, it is significant in two respects: first, it allows Andrew to openly state to have acted honourably in defence of the crown. As he said in his statement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my family and the nation first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, along with the honors the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the prestigious position as a member of the prestigious order. Like the HRH royal style title, they essentially become dormant.
He remains royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the sovereign if he is abroad or ill. However royal officials has made clear that, in practice, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement said this choice was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a dukedom would take legislative action, and would represent such a historic move publicly before the nation – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more reputational damage for the royals.
Andrew is also still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he became as the child of the sovereign. This would only be altered if a letters patent was issued by the reigning monarch.
The whole process could end up being drawn-out, implying the goal of quickly addressing the matter – particularly for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has resisted for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by the king to persuade Andrew to move out of the thirty-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been revealed about exactly how much funds Andrew has received due to his position, he continues to be a wealthy individual. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from his mother, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless series of controversies related to the prince has become intolerable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny after it emerged Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in a message dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his association with an alleged Chinese spy and, this week, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged Andrew “thought that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the sovereign is scheduled to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, during which he will be the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that visit to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “vindicated” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist 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 all titles and his military position and should undergo a criminal investigation. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
