Why the Duke of York Has Surrendered His Official Honors – and What It Means for the Royal Family
Through a announcement issued by the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be giving up his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Below are the details of what has been revealed – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Said?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now decided to “take additional measures” and consent not to use the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him.
But he also used the statement to emphatically rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; even though after settling a substantial sum to settle the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy regarding the claims involving the prince – particularly after his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to protect the royal family from further damage resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Titles?
No. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in multiple ways: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in defence of the crown. As stated in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed 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 His Royal Highness honorific, they essentially become dormant.
He continues to be royalty 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 ill. However the palace has made clear that, in practice, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement indicated the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the royal household pushed for this in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take an act of parliament, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before the nation – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it could result in further harm to the image for the royals.
The prince remains a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he became as the child of the sovereign. This would only be changed if a letters patent was enacted by the king.
The whole process might ultimately being drawn-out, implying the objective of quickly addressing the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has resisted for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by his brother to encourage his brother to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained due to his position, he continues to be a person of means. In 2007, he was able to secure £15m from the sale of a home that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless list of scandals related to the prince has become unacceptable for the monarch 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 sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
There have also been reports about his connections with an alleged Chinese spy and, this week, extracts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged Andrew “thought that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the sovereign is due to make a historic visit to see the pontiff soon, during which he will be the first English monarch since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “justified” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has additionally stated the action is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He ought to be stripped of every honor and his military position and should face a criminal investigation. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
