The Reasons the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and What It Means for the Monarchy
Through a announcement issued via Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has declared he is relinquishing his official honors, including the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what was announced – and what wasn't.
What Has Andrew Said?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “go a step further” and agree to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he used the statement to emphatically rejecting – as he has always done – the accusations of misconduct made against him; even though having paid out a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy over the claims involving the prince – 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 caused by public speculation.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Honors?
No. And although this might be viewed as a mere formality, it holds importance in two respects: first, it allows Andrew to openly state to have behaved with integrity in defence of the monarchy. As he said in his announcement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, 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 the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the prestigious Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Like the HRH royal style honorific, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the king should he be overseas or ill. Although the palace has indicated that, in practice, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “following talks with the king”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the palace advocated for this 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 an act of parliament, and would represent such a historic move in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it would likely cause more reputational damage for the monarchy.
The prince remains a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This could only be altered if a royal decree was enacted by the king.
The whole process might ultimately being drawn-out, implying the goal of quickly addressing the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Humiliation, likely above all. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has resisted for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, despite reported efforts by his brother to encourage Andrew to move out of the 30-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been shed on the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained due to his position, he continues to be a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he managed to raise £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from his mother, as an instance.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless series of controversies related to the prince has become unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in a message sent three months after he claimed to have ended communication.
There have also been reports about his association with a suspected Chinese spy and, recently, extracts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed the prince “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the king is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo soon, during which he will be the first English monarch since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that visit to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Has Been the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has additionally stated the move is “too little, too late”, adding: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He ought to be divested of all titles and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”