Why the Duke of York is Giving Up His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a announcement issued by Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has confirmed he is relinquishing his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what was announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Did Andrew Said?
Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has currently decided to “go a step further” and agree to refrain from using the “honor or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the accusations of misconduct leveled at him; even though after settling a substantial sum to settle the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed persistent pressure on the monarchy over the claims involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard the royal family from additional harm caused by public speculation.
Has the King Removed Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And although this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: first, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in support of the crown. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and the nation first.”
Additionally, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains his ducal title, along with the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as a member of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH His Royal Highness honorific, they are effectively dormant.
He remains royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the king should he be overseas or unwell. However royal officials has made clear that, in practice, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement said this choice was made “following talks with the king”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the palace advocated for this in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a dukedom would take an act of parliament, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely cause more harm to the image for the monarchy.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This could only be changed if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The whole process might ultimately being protracted, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be achieved.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The statement signifies an effective loss of status he has resisted for years.
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 the Windsor estate.
While little light has been revealed about exactly how much funds the prince has obtained as a result of his position, he continues to be a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he was able to raise £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 related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His friendship with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny after it emerged Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in a message sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were reports about his association with a suspected Chinese spy and, recently, extracts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged the prince “believed that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the king is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo soon, during which he will be the initial British king since Henry VIII 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 overshadowed by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Was the Response?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has additionally stated the move is “too little, too late”, adding: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of all titles and his navy rank and should face a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
