The Reasons the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a statement released by the royal household, Prince Andrew has declared he is giving up his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what was announced – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Announced?
Having already stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has now decided to “take additional measures” and consent not to use the “title or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the accusations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; even though having paid out millions to resolve the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied all allegations of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy over the claims against Andrew – particularly after his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect his relatives from additional harm resulting from public speculation.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
No. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it holds importance in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in defence of the monarchy. As he said in his announcement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my family and the nation first.”
Additionally, although he consented not to use it, Andrew retains the dukedom, along with the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as a member of the prestigious order. Like the HRH royal style title, they are effectively inactive.
He remains royalty and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the king if he is overseas or unwell. However royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he would not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement indicated the decision was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems highly likely that, privately, the royal household pushed for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a ducal title would take an act of parliament, and would represent such a historic move publicly before the nation – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more harm to the image for the royals.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This could only be altered if a royal decree was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure might ultimately being drawn-out, implying the goal of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Humiliation, likely above all. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, despite rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade his brother to move out of the 30-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information 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. Back in 2007, he managed to secure £15m from the sale of a home that had been a wedding present from his mother, as an instance.
Why Now?
The continual list of scandals related to the prince has become unacceptable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in an email sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
There have also been stories about his association with an alleged Chinese spy and, this week, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed Andrew “believed that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the king is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff 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 Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that visit to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Was the Reaction?
While he said Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has also said the move is “too little, too late”, noting: “Andrew remains accused 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 silly medieval titles is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
