Why the Duke of York is Giving Up His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family
In a announcement issued via the royal household, Prince Andrew has confirmed he is giving up his official honors, including his dukedom. Here are the details of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Said?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now decided to “go a step further” and consent not to use the “title or the honours which have been granted to” him.
But he also employed the announcement to emphatically denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of misconduct made against him; even though having paid out millions to settle the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected all allegations of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution regarding the claims involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard his relatives from additional harm resulting from public speculation.
Has the King Removed Him of His Honors?
No. And, while this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my family and the nation first.”
Additionally, although he consented not to use it, the prince keeps the dukedom, as well as the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Similar to the royal style title, they essentially become dormant.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the king should he be overseas or unwell. However royal officials has made clear that, realistically, he would not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement said the decision was made “in discussion with the monarch”. It appears little doubt that, behind the scenes, the royal household pushed for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a ducal title would take an act of parliament, and would constitute such a historic move in full view of the nation – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it would likely cause more harm to the image for the monarchy.
The prince remains still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the child of the sovereign. This would only be changed if a royal decree was enacted by the king.
The whole process might ultimately being drawn-out, implying the objective of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, likely above all. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has fought against for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, despite reported efforts by the king to persuade Andrew to move out of the 30-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been revealed about the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained due to his status, he remains a person of means. Back in 2007, he managed to raise £15m by selling a home that had been a gift from his mother, for example.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless list of scandals involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines following revelations Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in a message sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were reports about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the king is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo soon, when he will become 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 overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Has Been the Response?
Although he stated his sister had been “justified” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times 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 action is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual offences and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of all titles and his military position and should undergo a legal probe. Not using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
