Why the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family
In a announcement released via Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has declared that he will be giving up his official honors, such as his dukedom. Here are the details of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Announced?
After previously stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has currently decided to “go a step further” and agree to refrain from using the “title or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of misconduct leveled at him; even though having paid out millions to resolve the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed persistent pressure on the monarchy over the claims against Andrew – particularly after his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from further damage resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: initially, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have acted honourably in defence of the crown. As he said in his statement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my family and the nation first.”
Second, 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 esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH His Royal Highness title, they are effectively inactive.
He remains a prince 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 overseas or ill. Although royal officials has made clear that, in practice, he would not be asked to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement indicated this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the royal household advocated for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would require an act of parliament, and would represent such a historic move publicly before the nation – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more harm to the image for the monarchy.
The prince remains a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This could only be changed if a letters patent was issued by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure could end up being protracted, implying the objective of quickly addressing the matter – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade Andrew to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on the precise amount of money Andrew has received as a result of his position, he remains a wealthy individual. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m from the sale of a home that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless series of controversies involving Andrew has become intolerable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines after it emerged Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months after he claimed to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were reports about his association with an alleged intelligence operative and, this week, extracts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed the prince “believed that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Moreover, the sovereign is due to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the initial British king since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that trip to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Has Been the Reaction?
Although he stated his sister had been “justified” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be done.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual offences and abuse of office. He ought to be divested of all titles and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Not using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
