The Reasons the Duke of York is Giving Up His Royal Titles – and What It Means for the Royal Family
In a announcement issued via Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has confirmed he is giving up his official honors, such as the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what was revealed – and what wasn't.
What Did the Prince Announced?
After previously stepped down as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has currently chosen to “go a step further” and consent not to use the “honor or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of misconduct leveled at him; even though having paid out a substantial sum to settle the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has existed persistent pressure toward the royal institution over the claims involving the prince – particularly after his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect the royal family from additional harm resulting from public speculation.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the monarchy. As he said in his statement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to put my duty to my relatives and country first.”
Second, while he has agreed not to use it, the prince keeps his ducal title, along with the titles his earldom and his barony and the esteemed Garter role as a member of the prestigious order. Like the HRH royal style honorific, they essentially become dormant.
He remains royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the king should he be abroad or unwell. Although the palace has made clear that, realistically, he will not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement said this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the palace pushed for this in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would take legislative action, and would constitute such a historic move publicly before the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it could result in further reputational damage for the monarchy.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he became as the son of a monarch. This would only be changed if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The entire procedure might ultimately being drawn-out, meaning the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be achieved.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade his brother to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been revealed about exactly how much money 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 property that had been a wedding present from the queen, for example.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless list of scandals involving Andrew has proved unacceptable for the king and other senior royals.
His friendship with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
There have also been stories about his connections with a suspected Chinese spy and, this week, extracts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged the prince “thought that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the king is due to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the first English monarch since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that visit to be marred by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Was the Response?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “justified” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that the prince's style ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the action is “too little, too late”, adding: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. 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 fits the offences.”
