The Reasons the Duke of York is Giving Up His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a statement released via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has declared he is giving up his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Here is an overview of what has been announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Has Andrew Announced?
Having already stepped down as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now decided to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “honor or the honours which have been granted to” him.
However, he employed the announcement 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 civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected all allegations of improper conduct.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution regarding the claims involving the prince – particularly after his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect the royal family from additional harm caused by public speculation.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles?
No. And, while this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: initially, it enables the prince to openly state to have acted honourably in defence of the crown. As stated in his announcement: “I have decided, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Second, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, Andrew retains the dukedom, as well as the titles his earldom and his barony and the prestigious Garter role as a member of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH His Royal Highness honorific, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be abroad or ill. Although royal officials has made clear that, in practice, he will not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement indicated the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. There seems highly likely that, privately, the royal household advocated for this in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take 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 more than 100 years – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the royals.
Andrew is also still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically such as the child of the sovereign. This would only be changed if a letters patent was issued by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure might ultimately being protracted, implying the objective of quickly addressing the issue – particularly for the monarchy's interests – may not be achieved.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an effective loss of standing he has resisted for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to encourage Andrew to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about exactly how much money the prince has obtained as a result of his status, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m by selling a home that had been a wedding present from his mother, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The continual list of scandals involving Andrew has become intolerable for the king and other senior royals.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines following revelations that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in a message dispatched months after he claimed to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were stories about his association with a suspected Chinese spy and, this week, excerpts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged the prince “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is scheduled to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, during which he will be the first English monarch since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that visit to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “justified” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that the prince's style should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual offences and misuse of position. He should be stripped of all titles and his military position and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
