The Reasons the Duke of York is Giving Up His Royal Titles – and What It Means for the Royal Family
In a announcement released via Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has confirmed he is giving up his official honors, including his dukedom. Here is an overview of what was announced – and what wasn't.
What Did the Prince Announced?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been granted to” him.
However, he used the statement to emphatically denying – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of misconduct made against him; albeit after settling a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of wrongdoing.
There has been ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy regarding the allegations against Andrew – especially since his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect his relatives from further damage resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in support of the crown. As he said in his statement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and the nation first.”
Second, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, the prince keeps his ducal title, along with the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Like the HRH royal style title, they essentially become inactive.
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 king if he is overseas or ill. However royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he would not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement said this choice was made “in discussion with the monarch”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the royal household advocated for this in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a ducal title would require an act of parliament, and would represent an unprecedented step publicly before the nation – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more reputational damage for the monarchy.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This would only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The entire procedure could end up being drawn-out, meaning the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be achieved.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The announcement represents an effective loss of status he has fought against for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by his brother to persuade Andrew to relocate of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been revealed about exactly how much money Andrew has received as a result of his position, he remains a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to raise £15m from the sale of a property that had been a gift from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The continual list of scandals related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship 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 dispatched months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were reports about his association with a suspected intelligence operative and, recently, extracts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the sovereign 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 visit to be marred by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Was the Response?
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 “genuine accountability” to be done.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He should be divested of every honor and his military position and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
