The Reasons the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Monarchy
Through a announcement released by the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed he is relinquishing his official honors, including the Duke of York. Here is an overview of what has been revealed – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Said?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “honor or the honours which have been granted to” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the allegations of misconduct leveled at him; even though having paid out a substantial sum to resolve the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has been persistent pressure toward the royal institution regarding the claims against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect his relatives from further damage caused by public speculation.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And although this might be viewed as a mere formality, it is significant 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, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my relatives and the nation first.”
Second, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains the dukedom, as well as the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style honorific, they essentially become dormant.
He remains a prince and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the sovereign should he be overseas or ill. Although the palace has indicated that, realistically, he would not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement said the decision was made “in discussion with the monarch”. It appears little doubt that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would require an act of parliament, and would represent such a historic move publicly before the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely cause more reputational damage for the royals.
Andrew is also still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he became as the son of a monarch. This could only be altered if a letters patent was issued by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure might ultimately being drawn-out, meaning the objective of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, likely above all. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has resisted for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, despite reported efforts by his brother to encourage Andrew to relocate of the 30-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been shed on exactly how much money the prince has obtained due to his position, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m by selling a home that had been a gift from the queen, as an instance.
Why Now?
The continual series of controversies related to the prince has proved intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His association 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 a message dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
There have also been reports about his association with a suspected Chinese spy and, this week, extracts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the king is due to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the first English monarch since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that visit to be marred by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Has Been the Reaction?
Although he stated his sister had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has additionally stated the action is “too little, too late”, adding: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual offences and misuse of position. He ought to be divested of every honor and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
