Why the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Official Titles – and What It Means for the Royal Family
In a announcement released by the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed he is giving up his official honors, such as the Duke of York. Here are the details of what has been revealed – and what wasn't.
What Did the Prince Said?
After previously stepped down as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “honor or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of rejecting – as he has always done – the allegations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; albeit after settling a substantial sum to settle the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has existed persistent pressure toward the royal institution over the claims against Andrew – especially since his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard the royal family from additional harm caused by media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
No. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it is significant in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to openly state to have acted honourably in support of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.”
Second, while he has agreed not to use it, the prince keeps the dukedom, as well as the titles his earldom and his barony and the esteemed Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the His Royal Highness honorific, they are effectively dormant.
He remains royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the sovereign if he is overseas or ill. However royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement indicated this choice was made “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, privately, the royal household 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 ducal title would require legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely result in further harm to the image for the monarchy.
The prince remains still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he became as the son of a monarch. This would only be altered if a royal decree was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The whole process could end up being protracted, meaning the objective of quickly addressing the matter – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an effective loss of status he has resisted for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to persuade Andrew to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been revealed about exactly how much money the prince has obtained due to his position, he continues to be a person of means. In 2007, he managed to raise £15m from the sale of a property that had been a gift from the queen, as an instance.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless series of controversies involving Andrew 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 that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his association with a suspected Chinese spy and, recently, extracts were published 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 birthright”.
Furthermore, the king is due to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo next week, during which he will be the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that trip to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Has Been the Reaction?
Although he stated his sister had been “justified” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be done.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should face a legal probe. Not using archaic honors is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
