Why the Duke of York is Giving Up His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a announcement released via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has declared that he will be relinquishing his official honors, including his dukedom. Here are the details of what has been revealed – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Announced?
After previously stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him.
But he also employed the announcement to emphatically denying – as he has always done – the accusations of misconduct leveled at him; even though having paid out a substantial sum to resolve the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has existed persistent pressure on the monarchy over the claims against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to protect his relatives from additional harm caused by public speculation.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it holds importance in multiple ways: initially, it allows Andrew to openly state to have acted honourably in support of the monarchy. As he said in his announcement: “I have decided, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Second, while he has agreed not to use it, the prince keeps his ducal title, as well as the honors his earldom and his barony and the esteemed position as a member of the prestigious order. Similar to the royal style honorific, they are effectively inactive.
He continues to be 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 unwell. Although royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he would not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement indicated the decision was made “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, privately, the royal household pushed for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take an act of parliament, and would represent such a historic move in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it could cause more harm to the image for the monarchy.
The prince remains still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically such as the child of the sovereign. This would only be altered if a letters patent was enacted by the king.
The whole process could end up being drawn-out, implying the objective of quickly addressing the issue – particularly for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an substantial reduction of status he has resisted for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by his brother to encourage Andrew to move out of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on the precise amount of funds Andrew has received due to his status, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he was able to secure £15m from the sale of a property that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless list of scandals involving Andrew has become intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months after he claimed to have ended communication.
There have also been stories about his connections 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 the prince “believed that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, during which he will be the initial British king after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that visit to be marred by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Has Been the Reaction?
Although he stated his sister had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has also said the action is “too little, too late”, adding: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He ought to be stripped of all titles and his navy rank and should undergo a criminal investigation. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
