The Reasons the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has confirmed he is giving up his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Here are the details of what was revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Has Andrew Said?
Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “go a step further” and consent not to use the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him.
However, he employed the announcement to emphatically denying – as he has always done – the allegations of misconduct made against him; even though after settling millions to resolve the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected all allegations of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the allegations involving the prince – especially since his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect his relatives from additional harm resulting from public speculation.
Has the King Removed Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in two respects: initially, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in support of the monarchy. As he said in his announcement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my family and country first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains the dukedom, as well as the honors his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as a member of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style honorific, they are effectively inactive.
He remains royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the king if he is abroad or ill. However the palace has indicated that, realistically, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement indicated this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. It appears little doubt that, privately, the palace advocated for this in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a ducal title would require legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before the public – it has not happened to a senior royal in over a century – that it could cause more reputational damage for the monarchy.
The prince remains a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he became as the child of the sovereign. This could only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure might ultimately being drawn-out, meaning the goal of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be achieved.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an substantial reduction of status he has resisted for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by the king to persuade his brother to move out of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been revealed about exactly how much funds Andrew has received due to his status, he remains a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m by selling a property that had been a wedding present from the queen, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless series of controversies related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the king and other senior royals.
His friendship with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines after it emerged Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in an email sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were reports about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, recently, 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 entitlement”.
Furthermore, the king is scheduled to undertake a significant trip 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 pray publicly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Response?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The republican campaign group Republic has also said the action is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual offences and misuse of position. He should be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
