Why the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has confirmed he is giving up his official honors, including his dukedom. Here are the details of what was announced – and what wasn't.
What Did the Prince Said?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now decided to “take additional measures” and consent not to use the “honor or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he employed the announcement to make a point of rejecting – as he has always done – the accusations of misconduct leveled at him; even though after settling millions to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy regarding the allegations involving the prince – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard the royal family from further damage caused by public speculation.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Honors?
No. And, while this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: first, it allows Andrew to openly state to have behaved with integrity in support of the crown. As he said in his announcement: “I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and the nation first.”
Second, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, along with the titles the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the prestigious position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style title, they are effectively inactive.
He remains a prince and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he is also still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the sovereign should he be overseas or unwell. Although the palace has indicated that, realistically, he will not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement indicated the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the royal household advocated for the move in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take legislative action, and would represent an unprecedented step in full view of the public – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the monarchy.
Andrew is also still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the child of the sovereign. This could only be changed if a royal decree was issued by the reigning monarch.
The whole process might ultimately being protracted, implying the goal of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an effective loss of status he has fought against for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by the king to persuade his brother to move out of the 30-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been revealed about the precise amount of funds Andrew has received as a result of his status, he continues to be a wealthy individual. In 2007, he was able to raise £15m by selling a home that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.
What Prompted This?
The continual series of controversies involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines following revelations Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in an email dispatched months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
There have also been reports about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, this week, excerpts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is due to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff next week, when he will become the initial British king since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “vindicated” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “true justice” to be done.
The republican campaign group Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual offences and misuse of position. He ought to be divested of all titles and his navy rank and should undergo a criminal investigation. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
