The Reasons the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a statement released via the royal household, the king's brother has declared that he will be giving up his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Here is an overview of what was announced – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Said?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has currently chosen to “go a step further” and consent not to use the “title or the awards which have been granted to”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 make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of sexual impropriety made against him; albeit having paid out a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the allegations involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to protect his relatives from additional harm resulting from public speculation.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in two respects: first, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in support of the monarchy. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my relatives and country first.”
Second, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, Andrew retains his ducal title, along with the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH His Royal Highness title, they essentially become inactive.
He remains royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign if he is abroad or ill. However royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement indicated the decision was made “following talks with the king”. There seems little doubt that, privately, the royal household pushed for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would require an act of parliament, and would constitute such a historic move in full view of the public – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it could result in further harm to the image for the royals.
Andrew is also still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This would only be altered if a letters patent was enacted by the king.
The entire procedure could end up being protracted, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, likely above all. The announcement represents an effective loss of status he has resisted for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, despite rumoured attempts by the king to persuade his brother to relocate of the thirty-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been shed on the precise amount of money Andrew has received as a result of his position, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to raise £15m from the sale of a property that had been a wedding present from his mother, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless list of scandals related to the prince has become unacceptable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in a message dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
There have also been reports about his connections with an alleged Chinese spy and, recently, extracts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the sovereign is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo next week, when he will become the first English monarch 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 visit to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Was the Response?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “justified” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed the Times that the prince's style ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the action is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “Andrew remains accused of sexual offences and abuse of office. He ought to be stripped of all titles and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
