The Reasons the Duke of York is Giving Up His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a statement issued by the royal household, the king's brother has declared that he will be giving up his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what has been revealed – and what wasn't.
What Has Andrew Said?
Having already stepped down as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now decided to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him.
But he also used the statement to emphatically denying – as he has always done – the allegations of misconduct made against him; albeit having paid out millions to settle the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has existed persistent pressure toward the royal institution over the allegations against Andrew – particularly after his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard his relatives from additional harm caused by public speculation.
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: first, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have acted honourably in defence of the crown. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my relatives and the nation first.”
Additionally, although he consented to abstain from using it, the prince keeps his ducal title, along with the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the His Royal Highness title, they essentially become dormant.
He remains a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be abroad or ill. Although the palace has indicated that, in practice, he will not be asked to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is telling 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 this in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take an act of parliament, and would represent an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it would likely result in further harm to the image for the monarchy.
The prince remains a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he became such as the child of the sovereign. This could only be altered if a letters patent was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The whole process could end up being drawn-out, meaning the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – may not be achieved.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, despite rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade his brother to relocate of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about the precise amount of money Andrew has received due to his status, he continues to be a person of means. In 2007, he was able to raise £15m from the sale of a home that had been a gift from his mother, as an instance.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless list of scandals involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has 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 ceased contact.
There have also been reports about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged Andrew “believed that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo soon, when he will become the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth 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 marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Has Been the Reaction?
While he said Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The republican campaign group Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He ought to be divested of all titles and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
