Why the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Official Titles – and What It Means for the Monarchy
In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has confirmed he is relinquishing his official honors, such as the Duke of York. Here is an overview of what has been revealed – and what wasn't.
What Has Andrew Said?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now decided to “take additional measures” and consent not to use the “title or the honours which have been granted to” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; even though having paid out a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct.
There has existed persistent pressure toward the royal institution regarding the allegations against Andrew – especially since his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect the royal family from further damage caused by media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles?
No. And although this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: initially, it enables the prince to openly state to have behaved with integrity in defence of the monarchy. As he said in his announcement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my relatives and country first.”
Additionally, although he consented not to use it, the prince keeps the dukedom, along with the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as a member of the prestigious order. Similar to the royal style title, they essentially become inactive.
He remains a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the sovereign if he is abroad or unwell. Although the palace has made clear that, in practice, he would not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement said the decision was made “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems highly likely that, behind the scenes, the royal household advocated for the move in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would require an act of parliament, and would constitute such a historic move publicly before the nation – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it would likely cause more reputational damage for the royals.
The prince remains still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically as the child of the sovereign. This would only be changed if a letters patent was issued by the king.
The entire procedure might ultimately being drawn-out, implying the objective of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be achieved.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an effective loss of status he has resisted for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by the king to encourage his brother to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been shed on the precise amount of money the prince has obtained due to his status, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he was able to secure £15m by selling a home that had been a gift from his mother, as an instance.
Why Now?
The continual series of controversies involving Andrew has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in a message dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
There have also been stories about his association with an alleged intelligence operative and, recently, extracts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged the prince “believed that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the king is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the first English monarch since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that trip to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Has Been the Response?
Although he stated his sister had been “vindicated” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has additionally stated the move is “too little, too late”, noting: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He ought to be divested of all titles and his military position and should face a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
